An Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a tiny battery-powered device implanted in the chest. Arrhythmias, commonly known as irregular heartbeats, are found and stopped by it. An ICD continuously monitors the heartbeat. It provides electric shocks when necessary to help the heart’s rhythm return to normal.

If you experience ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, which are dangerously rapid heartbeats, you might require an ICD. If you have a weak heart muscle and are at high risk of having dangerous irregular heartbeats, an ICD may also be advised.

What is An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?

A medical device known as an implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is affixed to your chest via surgery. It comprises a battery and what are known as leads—thin wires. The wires go into your heart chambers to control your rhythm, and the battery is roughly the size of a stopwatch.

The battery-operated device continuously monitors heart rhythm and beat. When necessary, its pulse generator administers an electric shock to treat arrhythmia. Your heart is shocked by the leads.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators are used for:

• Correcting arrhythmia, such as an irregular, excessively fast (tachycardia) or excessively slow (bradycardia) heartbeat.
• Avoid unexpected cardiac arrest.
• To assist your healthcare experts in prescribing the best course of action, collect information on the operation of your heart.

Types of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Heart treatment equipment includes implantable cardioverter defibrillators. There are two fundamental kinds:

• A conventional Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is implanted in the chest. The heart is connected by leads, which are wires.
• A subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (S-ICD) is implanted beneath the skin on the side of the chest, below the armpit. It is fastened to an electrode-style sensor. Along the breastbone, the sensor is located. A traditional ICD is smaller than an S-ICD. It has no emotional impact.

Why is it Used And Who Requires an Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator?

An ICD immediately attempts to repair any abnormal heartbeats while continuously monitoring the heart. It is beneficial in cases of cardiac arrest, which is the sudden cessation of all heart action.

The main form of care for someone who has survived cardiac arrest is an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. People who are at a greater risk of sudden cardiac arrest use the devices more frequently. More than just medication, an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator reduces the chance of sudden death from cardiac arrest.

If you experience signs of prolonged ventricular tachycardia or an abnormal heartbeat, your cardiologist could advise getting an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. Another symptom is fainting. You might also be advised to get an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator if you were able to recover from a cardiac arrest or if you:

• A history of heart attack or coronary artery disease that has weakened the heart.
• A stretched-out cardiac muscle.
• A genetic cardiac disorder that makes it more likely for people to experience dangerously rapid heartbeats, including some forms of long QT syndrome.

Procedure of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

ICD implantation can be done as an outpatient procedure or as part of a hospital stay. Depending on your situation and your doctor’s practice, the procedures could change. Your healthcare practitioner can request that you:

• Prior to the surgery, you should fast for many hours by only drinking water.
• To make sure you are fit for the procedure, get an electrocardiogram, blood tests, and urine testing.
• If you use any blood thinners or have any bleeding issues, let them know.
• Any allergies to drugs,  shellfish, iodine, contrast dye, or other substances should be reported.
• If you have asthma, diabetes, kidney illness, or any other medical issues, let the medical staff know.

During The Surgery

In most cases, an ICD procedure is conducted in a hospital or clinic. It takes some time. Your health, the type of device, and any concurrent surgical operations will all influence the type of procedure you receive.

The most frequent technique is the transvenous method. A little incision close to your collarbone is necessary. The leads are inserted into veins by your healthcare practitioner so they may reach your heart. Open-heart surgery, however, is occasionally necessary for implantation. ICD procedures might differ greatly from one another. In contrast, your healthcare professional will typically:

• To help you unwind or put you to sleep, administer anesthesia via an IV.
• Make a cut close to the collarbone, chest, or belly.
• Wires are inserted into the heart chambers via the subclavian vein.
• Put the ICD in a skin-level bag.
• Attach the leads to the ICD and the heart.
• To make sure they are connected properly and are functioning properly, test the gadget and the wires.
• Close the wound/incision.

Following the procedure, you may be brought to the recovery room for observation or returned to your hospital room. Your vital signs will be monitored by a nurse. If you have any tightness in your chest or any other pain at the incision site, call your nurse right away.

Once the required amount of bed rest has passed, you are allowed to get out of bed with assistance. The nurse will assist you while getting out of bed for the first time and will take your blood pressure when you are sitting, standing, and lying in bed. To prevent any vertigo from the extended time of bed rest, get out of bed slowly. As soon as you are fully awake, you can eat or drink.

For a day or two, your arm might be in a sling. Your provider will choose how long you must wear a sling. After the first few days, some people are advised to wear it at night while they sleep but are free to remove it during the day. If pain medication is required, it may be given at the insertion site if it is sore or painful.

A chest X-ray is frequently performed following the treatment to examine the lungs and ensure that the systems are stable. While you are recovering, your doctor will visit you in your room. Your physician will provide you with detailed instructions and respond to any queries you may have.

Managing And Living with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

When you have an ICD, carry an ID card, avoid strong magnetic fields areas, inform airport security staff, consult with your doctor for any quires, protect the device during physical activities, and keep your cell phones for atleast 6 inches away from you. If your unwell after an activity or have question/quires consult with your doctor. These 

Reference

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implantable_cardioverter-defibrillator
• https://upbeat.org/common-treatments/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator
• https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention–treatment-of-arrhythmia/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator-icd