When is an ICD Recommended?
An ICD may be
recommended in conditions such as:
• Ventricular
tachycardia
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Severe heart muscle weakness
• Patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest
How is the Device Implanted?
ICD
implantation is a minimally invasive procedure usually performed under local
anesthesia.
The procedure
involves:
• Inserting
electrical leads through a vein into the heart
• Connecting the leads to a small device implanted under the skin in the chest
• Programming the device to monitor heart rhythm and deliver therapy when
needed
How Does the Device Work?
The ICD
continuously monitors the heart rhythm and when a serious arrhythmia is
detected, it can:
• Deliver
pacing signals to correct the rhythm
• Deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm
Benefits of an ICD
The device
helps to:
• Continuously
monitor heart rhythm
• Prevent sudden cardiac arrest
• Treat dangerous arrhythmias quickly
• Provide increased safety for high-risk patients
Follow-Up Care
Regular
follow-up visits are necessary to ensure the device functions properly and to
adjust its settings if needed.
A Message to Patients
For patients at
risk of serious heart rhythm disturbances,
an implantable cardioverter defibrillator can provide effective protection and
help maintain heart safety.