Defibrillators

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device that is implanted under the skin of your chest to help manage irregular heart rhythms and prevent sudden cardiac death. The device is designed to continuously monitor your heart rate and rhythm, and if it detects a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm, it can deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal rhythm.

During the ICD procedure, a doctor will insert a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into a vein in your chest and guide it up to your heart. The ICD device is then passed through the catheter and positioned under the skin of your chest, near your collarbone. The device is connected to leads (thin wires) that are threaded through your veins and attached to your heart. The leads sense the electrical activity of your heart and deliver electrical shocks as needed.

The ICD procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about one to two hours to complete. After the procedure, you will need to stay in the hospital for a day or two to be monitored and to make sure that the device is working properly. You may experience some pain, swelling, or bruising in the area where the device was implanted, but these symptoms should subside within a few days.

The ICD device can significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in people with certain heart conditions, such as arrhythmias or heart failure. However, like all medical procedures, it does carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and damage to the heart or blood vessels. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of the ICD procedure with you in detail before you decide whether it is right for you.