Assessing the Cost and Resource Use Impact of Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator Shocks in the UK CareLink Population.

While there was a low rate of inappropriate shocks from ICDs, there were still substantial HCRU and costs incurred. In this study, the specific HCRU was not costed independently, meaning the costs reported are likely to be a conservative estimate. Whilst every attempt to reduce shocks should be made, appropriate shocks cannot be avoided. Strategies to reduce the incidence of inappropriate and unnecessary shocks should be implemented to reduce overall health care costs associated with ICDs.