The Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, or 'ICD', is arguably the most technologically challenging type of therapy that physicians utilize today. At the same time, engineers who design ICDs are being called upon by clinicians to extend even further the technological envelope in the quest of building the 'ideal' device. To the extent, however, that physicians who utilize ICDs are not sufficiently comfortable with, or familiar with, the engineering principles that guide ICD function, the full clinical potential of even an ideal device will not be realized. In complementary fashion, engineers require as full an appreciation as possible of the real world 'boundary conditions' and clinical impact of various ICD features, if the latter are truly to be perfected. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Therapy: The Engineering-Clinical Interface is intended to serve as an educational tool to foster mutual understanding and communication among physicians, engineers, and other professionals involved in ICD therapy, with the ultimate purpose of enhancing patient care.