A unitary subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is disclosedwhich has a long thin housing in the shape of a patient's rib. The housingcontains a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitrythat senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Provided on thehousing are cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes located to deliverelectrical cardioversion-defibrillation energy when the operational circuitrysenses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. The unitary subcutaneous implantablecardioverter-defibrillator does not have a transvenous, intracardiac,epicardial, or subcutaneous electrode.
