An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that treats abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. Specifically, an ICD treats fast arrhythmias in the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles). Two such arrhythmias
are ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF).
Arrhythmias result from a problem in your heart’s electrical system. Electrical signals follow a certain path through the heart. lt is the movement of these signals that causes your heart to contract. To learn more about your heart’s electrical system, go to the Heart & Blood Vessel Basics section.
During VT or VF, however, far too many signals are present in the ventricles. In addition, the signals often do not travel down the proper pathways. The heart tries to beat in response to the signals, but it cannot pump enough blood out to your body. lf you have either VT or VF, you are at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). lf not treated immediately with defibrillation, SCA can result in sudden cardiac death (SCD).
An ICD can treat VT and VF and restore your heart to a normal rhythm. So it reduces your risk of SCD. The device can deliver several types of treatment:
A device implant is a procedure that uses local numbing. General anesthesia is usually not needed.
An implantad device needs to be checked regularly to review information that is stored in the device and to monitor settings. These checks can happen in the clinic or from the comfort of the patient’s home using remote monitoring.
Remote monitoring uses a small piece of equipment that can sit on a bedside table to collect data from the cardiac device. Data is collected on a daily or weekly basis depending upon how the system is programmed and the type of device implantad. lt sends information through a regular landline phone to a secure website that only the patient’s healthcare support team can access. In many cases, remote monitoring means that the patient needs to make fewer trips to the doctor’s office for device follow-up visits. Not all devices can be checked using remote monitoring.
An lmplantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system has two parts.
Device-the device is quite small and easily fits in the palm of your hand. lt contains small computerized parts that run on a battery.
Leads-the leads are thin, insulated wires that connect the device to your heart. The leads carry electrical signals back and forth between your heart and your device.
Your doctor inserts the leads through a small incision, usually near your collarbone. Your doctor gently steers the leads through your blood vessels and into your heart. Your doctor can see where the leads are going by watching a video screen with real-time, moving x-rays called fluoroscopy.
The doctor connects the leads to the device and tests to make sure both work together to deliver treatment. Your doctor then places the device just under your skin near your collarbone and stitches the incision closed.
Usually you are told not to eat or drink anything for a number of hours before the procedure. You undress and put on a hospital gown or sheet. Your procedure will be performed in a “cath lab.” You lie on an exam table and an intravenous (IV) line is put into your arm. The IV delivers fluids and medications during the procedure. The medication makes you groggy, but not unconscious.
The doctor makes a small incision near your collarbone to insert the leads. The area will be numbed so you shouldn’t feel pain, but you may feel sorne pressure as the leads are insertad. You may be sedated when the device is tested, since it delivers a shock to your heart.
You may be in the hospital overnight, and there may be tenderness at the incision site. Afterwards most people have a fairly quick recovery.
Our knowledgeable and courteous staff will help set up a consultation for you, schedule surgical procedures, discuss your insurance, and answer any questions you may have.
