Application Detail
Description of Medical Service
The proposed service involves the insertion of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) leads. Insertion of the S-ICD system is clinically similar to the insertion of a transvenous ICD; however, the subcutaneous lead does not need to be inserted into the vasculature of the heart. Rather, it is placed under the skin of the patients’ chest. The implantation of S-ICD leads requires the use of a compatible ICD generator; however, the procedure for implanting the generator remains unchanged (i.e. subcutaneous). Therefore, a new or amended service for implantation of a subcutaneous ICD generator is not requested.Description of Medical Condition
S-ICD is primarily indicated for patients with underlying congenital or structural cardiac abnormalities, or with limited or difficult vascular access. Often these patients are quite young and may require multiple replacements of transvenous ICD leads over the course of their lives, leading to an elevated risk of serious complications, especially infection. A functional limitation of current S-ICD devices is that they cannot provide long-term bradypacing or antitachycardia pacing (ATP). S-ICD is therefore only indicated in patients who do not have symptomatic bradycardia, incessant VT, or spontaneous, frequently occurring VT that is reliably terminated with ATP.Reason for Application
New MBS itemMedical Service Type
TherapeuticPrevious Application Number/s
1374Associated Documentation
Application Form
Application Form (PDF 1110 KB)Application Form (Word 110 KB)
Consultation Survey
Consultation Survey (PDF 557 KB)Consultation Survey (Word 68 KB)
PICO Confirmation
-Assessment Report
-Public Summary Document
Public Summary Document (PDF 554 KB)Public Summary Document (Word 132 KB)