Background: To compare surgical techniques for subpectoral implantation of internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Methods: Sequential comparison with review of the literature.
Setting: University Hospital.
Participants: the patients requiring ICD.
Interventions: ICD insertions and device testing.
Measurements: defibrillation and pacing thresholds, defibrillator lead impedance, operative time, and proximity of generator site to midline, clinical outcomes.
Results: Comparable efficacy in defibrillation, surgical time and medial placement. No wound infections, seromas or lead dislodgments. Preservation of pectoral muscle integrity.
Conclusions: Lateral single incision subpectoral ICD generator placement can be applied consistently with good RESULTS.