Abnormal heart rhythm that is not treated could potentially result in sudden cardiac death, according to the study. It is also common in people who have recently had a heart attack, undergone procedures to open blocked blood vessels or have cardiomyopathies, which are diseases of the heart muscle.

Other patients who might benefit from the device are those who have life-threatening arrhythmias and who need an ICD but are unable to undergo surgery for the implant due to infection. Heart failure patients waiting for a heart transplant may also be candidates.


Leroy Gamble, a 79 year old man, suffered cardiac arrest and was consequently diagnosed with a heart condition. He was prescribed a wearable defibrillator by Dr. James Kneller, a Kadlec Clinic electrophysiology cardiologist, while he waited for an implantable defibrillator, reported Washington's Tri-City Herald.

In April, Gamble suffered a second cardiac arrest, and the wearable defibrillator ended up saving his life. “Sudden cardiac death risk is very real. Appropriate patients should be offered defibrillator protection. Part of [that] is the wearable defibrillator,” said Kneller.

If prescribed by a doctor, the device will most likely be covered by insurance.

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