Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

What Is It?

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator, also known as an ICD, may be surgically inserted in patients to help control and reduce risk for recurrent, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.

The ICD is connected to leads positioned inside the heart or on its surface, which sense the heart's rhythm and, when necessary deliver electrical shocks to restore normalcy. A pulse generator is implanted beneath the skin of the chest or abdomen and connects to the leads. The pulse generator monitors and treats abnormal heart rhythms. The generators are small and not usually visible. They can be installed through blood vessels and do not require major surgery.

In addition to sensing and treating abnormal heart rhythm, newer technology enables ICDs to store information about arrhythmic events and also to perform electrophysiology testing.

What Does it Treat?

ICDs are credited with saving the lives of many patients with recurrent or sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. New research is exploring other ways they can be used, including to prevent cardiac arrest in high-risk patients who haven't had, but are at risk for, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before the procedure.
• Discuss your medications with your physician beforehand and follow his or her advice on whether you should stop taking them for a few days before the procedure.
• Refrain from using aspirin or blood thinning medications for a few days as well. You may take approved medications with small sips of water.

If you are having one of these procedures you will be contacted prior to the procedure by a member of the team who will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare.

Learn more about internal defibrillators.   » Go