Indications for a Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is an alternative antiarrhythmic device that provides continuous cardiac monitoring and defibrillation capabilities through a noninvasive electrode-based system. Although the WCD has been shown to be highly effective at restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with a ventricular tachyarrhythmia, randomized trials using the WCD in patient populations at elevated risk for arrhythmic death have not been reported. Clinical indications for WCD use are varied and continue to evolve as further experience with this relatively new technology emerges.