According to a new study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are safe and effective.

In the study, researchers noted that the S-ICD was able to meet both its trial and primary endpoints. Over the course of six months, complications associated with the device were approximately 1%. In addition, the device achieved acute ventricular fibrillation conversion in 100% of trial participants.

Based on these results, researchers conclude that subcutaneous ICDs are a viable alternative to traditional transvenous systems. These systems hold potential for patients who aren't in need of pacing therapy for ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia or heart failure.

"The results of the present study indicate that the subcutaneous ICD is a viable alternative to transvenous systems among patients who do not require pacing therapy for heart failure, bradycardia, or ventricular tachycardia," noted researchers.

While results are considered positive, there has been criticism of the available evidence over endpoint termination of induced verus spontaneous ventricular fibrillation. In addition, the six-month followup period was criticized for being too short.

"Although these data are reassuring and comparable to transvenous ICD success rates, the overall number of treated episodes is incredibly small in comparison with the data on transvenous defibrillator therapies delivered outside the hospital, over the life of the device, that are available for analysis in tens of thousands of patients," notes Dr. Leslie Saxon in an editorial that accompanied the published results.