Defibrillator Implantation

Life-threatening electrical problems of the heart may require continuous monitoring for help in regulating the heartbeat. One such monitoring device is called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) which is a small electronic device that is implanted under the skin just below the collarbone and connected to the heart.

The device is a pulse generator with wires (leads) attached to it. A battery powers the pulse generator and a tiny computer. Leads are attached to the generator and then to specific positions in the heart. When the tiny computer detects irregular or life-threatening heart rates in the lower chambers of the heart, a shock (defibrillation) is emitted to the heart to reset it to a normal rhythm and possibly prevent sudden cardiac death.

When the ICD is normally pacing the heart, most patients are not even aware, but if a defibrillation shock is triggered, it has been described as a “kick in the chest.” The ICD can also be programmed to become a pacemaker if the heart rate drops.

If you have had ventricular fibrillation that caused a sudden cardiac arrest, or fainted due to ventricular arrhythmia, or if you have inherited heart conditions, an ICD may be a good choice for you.

There are two types of ICD pacemakers. One is an Anti-Tachycardia Pacing (ATP) model which offers the back-up pacing function. The second is the Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator (S-ICD) that does not. The S-ICD provides fewer potential risks or complications by not requiring leads traversing the veins leading to the heart.