Patent ID: 8831720

Claim:
A method of treating a patient comprising implanting a subcutaneous-only defibrillator comprising a subcutaneous lead having a single high voltage electrode and a plurality of sense electrodes and a canister coupled to the subcutaneous lead and including at least a high voltage electrode, the subcutaneous lead being formed of insulation having conductors therethrough and electrodes thereon, the single high voltage electrode being approximately 5-10 cm in length, wherein implanting is performed by implanting the canister at the left anterior mid-clavicular line beneath the left areolus, directing a curved introducer laterally and posteriorly for positioning the subcutaneous lead, introducing the subcutaneous lead to a left posterior thoracic position and placing the subcutaneous-only defibrillator at the incision location, wherein the subcutaneous-only defibrillator comprises sense circuitry designed to be sensitive to detection of ventricular fibrillation or tachyarrhythmia at rates above 240 bpm.