Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device designed to monitor heart rhythms and deliver therapy in the form of electrical shocks when life-threatening heart rhythms are detected.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Leads Placement

Indications

ICDs are primarily used in patients with a history of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, or those at risk for these conditions due to conditions such as ischemic cardiomyopathy, nonischemic cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart disease.

Components

An ICD system consists of a pulse generator and leads. The pulse generator is a small, battery-powered unit that is implanted under the skin, usually in the upper chest. The leads are wires that are threaded through the veins into the heart and connected to the pulse generator.

Function

The ICD continuously monitors the heart rhythm. If it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia, it delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with the implantation of an ICD. These include infection, bleeding, damage to the heart or blood vessels, and complications related to the device itself, such as lead displacement or device malfunction.

Follow-up

Patients with an ICD require regular follow-up to monitor device function and heart rhythm. This typically involves periodic office visits and remote monitoring.

See also

• Cardiac electrophysiology
• Cardiac resynchronization therapy
• Pacemaker

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