An ICD is a cardiac device that gets implanted in the chest and consists of a battery and wires (called leads). The leads are placed inside the heart through a blood vessel and are then connected to the battery. The number of leads that are inserted depends on the situation of the patient. The battery life of an ICD varies greatly on the amount of use, but on average lasts between 8-12 years.
An ICD has all of the functionality of a pacemaker, but it also has the advanced capability of providing a lifesaving shock in the setting of a ventricular arrhythmia, which is a fast rhythm problem from the bottom chambers of the heart. Depending on the type of ventricular arrhythmia and the rate at which it occurs, ventricular arrhythmias can be lethal. An ICD may be implanted on a preventative basis for those at risk for ventricular arrhythmias, or it may be implanted for those who have known sustained ventricular arrhythmias.
An ICD is implanted under local anesthesia, and occasionally under IV sedation as well. An incision is made in the upper chest (typically the left side). The leads are inserted through the incision and into a blood vessel, before being guided into the correct position in the heart. The leads are then connected to the battery, which sits inside a pocket that is created underneath the skin. The incision is closed up with internal dissolvable sutures, with the outside of the incision having steristrips or skin glue placed over the top. Prior to being discharged home, you will have the ICD interrogated and undergo a chest x-ray. If all is well, you will then be discharged home.
Heart of Dixie Cardiology is a specialty subset of the Revere Health group. We have over a dozen cardiology providers throughout our locations to give you the specialized heart care that you deserve.
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