What is a ICD

Dr. Kathryn Brown

M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)

Cardiologist

Kelowna, BC

Dr. Dan Patton

M.D., F.R.C.P. (C)

Cardiologist

Kelowna, BC

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is indeed a small device placed in the chest to monitor and regulate heart rhythms. It is primarily used to treat two life-threatening conditions: ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

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<p><a href="https://heartfailurenow.com/local/cardiologist-1">Cardiologist</a><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/cardiologist">-</a>Electrophysiologist, talks about when<a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/videos/indications-for-icds-and-implantation-technique"> ICD's</a> are indicated and what the implant process involves.</p>

Cardiologist -Electrophysiologist, talks about when ICD's are indicated and what the implant process involves.

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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Defibrillators (AEDs and ICDs)?

Quiz: Do You Understand Defibrillators (AEDs and ICDs)?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

You may see automated external defibrillators (AED) available in public places.

Explanation:

You may see automated external defibrillators (AED) available in everywhere from golf courses to shopping malls, and they are relatively simple to use.

An AED is a miniature version of an ICD.

Explanation:

An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is a miniature version of an AED, and is implanted under the collarbone of a patient and designed with all of the pacemaker capabilities.

The procedure to implant an ICD may involve an electrophysiologist.

Explanation:

The procedure to implant an ICD usually involves a cardiologist and in some cases, an electrophysiologist. The device stands by to resuscitate the patient if a sudden unexpected electrical event occurs.

Following the ICD procedure, patients are restricted from driving for three weeks.

Explanation:

There’s a small risk of infection or that the wires of the implantable cardiac defibrillator may need to be plugged back into place. Following the ICD procedure, patients are restricted from driving for about a week.

There are no restrictions on using microwaves or cell phones when you have an ICD.

Explanation:

Patients who have implanted devices generally lead very normal lives. There are no restrictions on using microwaves or cell phones, and patients are able to travel.

Indications for ICD's and Implantation Technique

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-powered medical device that is used to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms, specifically life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. It is typically implanted under the skin in the chest area, near the collarbone, and connected to the heart using one or more thin wires called leads.