Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, also called ICDs, are sophisticated electronic devices, similar to Pacemakers, that are designed to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Unlike pacemakers that only accelerate an abnormally slow heart rhythm, ICDs can both decelerate a dangerously fast heart rhythm and accelerate a slow heart rhtyhm. The purpose of this section is to familiarize patients with these devices, including the indications for its use, pre-implantation testing, details of the implantation procedure, post-implantation care and outpatient follow-up, and potential problems and pitfalls associated with treatment with ICD devices.

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• Components of the ICD System

• What is an ICD & Why Do Patients Receive Them?

• Which Patients Should Receive an ICD?

• Single Versus Dual Chamber ICD Systems

• Pre-implantation Evaluation and Testing

• The Implantation Procedure

• Discharge Instructions Following ICD Implantation

• Outpatient Follow-up and ICD Device Checks