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Matlock DD, Peterson PN, Heidenreich PA, Lucas FL, Malenka DJ, Wang Y, Curtis JP, Kutner JS, Fisher ES, Masoudi FA. Regional variation in the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators for primary prevention: results from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry. Circulation. Cardiovascular quality and outcomes. 2011 Jan 1; 4(1):114-21.
Marked geographic variation in the use of primary prevention ICDs exists across the United States that is not correlated with physician supply. Although > 1 in 10 patients received ICDs outside of trial criteria, this potential overuse did not explain the variation. Future studies should consider underuse or misuse of primary prevention ICDs as causes of geographic variation.