Sudden cardiac death is still a difficult problem for doctors.Every therapy has its drawback.In the past 20 years,there have been great progress in implantable cardioverter defibrillator.This therapy strategy may bring more benefits to indicated patients.This article reviews the application of implantable cardioverter defibrillator and summarizes its history and development,component,function,curative effect,symptom of adaption and contraindication.