Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen. Doctors use the device to help treat irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias.

Overview

An ICD uses electrical pulses or shocks to help control life-threatening arrhythmias, especially those that can cause sudden cardiac arrest. If an ICD detects a dangerous heart rhythm, it sends an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.

How does an ICD work?

An ICD constantly monitors your heart rhythm. If it detects a rhythm that's too slow, it can pace the heart as a pacemaker would. If it detects a dangerous heart rhythm, it sends one or more of the following treatments:

• Low-energy pacing therapy: You might feel a painless fluttering in your chest when this therapy happens.
• Cardioversion therapy: A higher energy shock is delivered synchronously with the heart rhythm to convert a fast rhythm back to a normal rhythm.
• Defibrillation therapy: The highest energy shock is delivered asynchronously to stop a very fast, life-threatening heart rhythm.

Risks

ICDs are generally safe. Complications are rare, but could include:

• Infection and bleeding at the implant site.
• Damage to the vein where the ICD leads are placed.
• The leads could move out of place or fail.
• The ICD could fail and need to be replaced.

Living with an ICD

Most people with ICDs live healthy, active lives. They can do the same activities and sports that healthy people can do. However, they may need to avoid full-contact sports, such as football, that could damage the ICD or shake loose its wires.

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