Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
An ICD implant keeps your heart beating at the right speed with continuous monitoring, reacting in an instant when your heart rhythm speeds up.
Preventing cardiac arrest from fast heartbeats
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small battery-powered device that delivers electric shocks to the heart to restore its regular rhythm when necessary. This is the first-line treatment for cardiac arrest survivors and those with a fast or irregular heartbeat.
Implanted by an electrophysiologist , this device can help people lower their risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest and reduce symptoms more than medicine can alone.
Why you might need an ICD
ICDs are most used for people with cardiac conditions that result in a dangerously fast or irregular heartbeat. Conditions that may lead a Wellstar electrophysiologist to recommend an ICD include:
Types of ICDs
There are two types of ICDs your heart rhythm specialist may recommend:
How ICDs and pacemakers differ
Both an ICD and pacemaker treat cardiac conditions related to an irregular heartbeat. However, the reasons someone may have an ICD or a pacemaker differ. A pacemaker can help regulate a slow heartbeat, while an ICD typically addresses a heart that beats too quickly.
ICD surgery & maintenance
Prior to ICD surgery, your electrophysiologist may schedule some additional testing. This can include an EP study , EKG , echocardiography or Holter monitoring . These tests can help pinpoint the exact area in your heart where the electrical impulses are disrupting your regular heartbeat.
During the surgery itself, you’ll most likely be fully under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes a few hours and is performed in a specialized lab. Your electrophysiologist will test the device once it’s implanted while you’re still under anesthesia. This may require them to speed up your heart artificially so the device can shock it back into a regular rhythm.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary and will include an evaluation of the battery associated with your ICD, which typically lasts about five to seven years. Replacing the generator is a minor procedure.
Learn more about Wellstar heart care and find a specialist near you.
Implanted by an electrophysiologist , this device can help people lower their risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest and reduce symptoms more than medicine can alone.
Why you might need an ICD
ICDs are most used for people with cardiac conditions that result in a dangerously fast or irregular heartbeat. Conditions that may lead a Wellstar electrophysiologist to recommend an ICD include:
- Previous cardiac arrest
- Ventricular arrhythmia
- Heart failure
- Abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction
- Irregular or overly fast heartbeat
Types of ICDs
There are two types of ICDs your heart rhythm specialist may recommend:
- Implanted in the chest, a traditional ICD attaches to the heart with wires, also known as leads.
- A subcutaneous ICD goes under the skin and does not have wires. Instead, it’s implanted directly below the armpit, with an electrode that runs under the breastbone to the heart. This device is slightly larger than a traditional ICD.
How ICDs and pacemakers differ
Both an ICD and pacemaker treat cardiac conditions related to an irregular heartbeat. However, the reasons someone may have an ICD or a pacemaker differ. A pacemaker can help regulate a slow heartbeat, while an ICD typically addresses a heart that beats too quickly.
ICD surgery & maintenance
Prior to ICD surgery, your electrophysiologist may schedule some additional testing. This can include an EP study , EKG , echocardiography or Holter monitoring . These tests can help pinpoint the exact area in your heart where the electrical impulses are disrupting your regular heartbeat.
During the surgery itself, you’ll most likely be fully under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes a few hours and is performed in a specialized lab. Your electrophysiologist will test the device once it’s implanted while you’re still under anesthesia. This may require them to speed up your heart artificially so the device can shock it back into a regular rhythm.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary and will include an evaluation of the battery associated with your ICD, which typically lasts about five to seven years. Replacing the generator is a minor procedure.
Learn more about Wellstar heart care and find a specialist near you.