Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a small electronic device used to prevent sudden cardiac death in high-risk populations. However, the decision to implant an ICD should be made carefully, considering the individual patient’s risk factors, overall health, and preferences.
An Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device implanted in the chest to detect and treat life-threatening, rapid heart rhythms (arrhythmias) by delivering electrical shocks to restore a normal heartbeat.
Who Needs?
- Patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias
- Those with a history of survived cardiac arrest
- Patients with certain types of heart failure, particularly with reduced ejection fraction
- Individuals with specific genetic heart conditions (e.g., Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome)
- Some patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Symptoms it can help with:
- Prevention of sudden cardiac death (often asymptomatic until an event occurs)
- May reduce symptoms associated with rapid heart rhythms
Advantages
- Life-saving capability:
– Can detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias within seconds
– Significantly reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death - Continuous monitoring:
– Provides 24/7 heart rhythm surveillance
– Can store data on cardiac events for later analysis by doctors - Improved quality of life:
– Patients often report feeling more secure knowing they have protection against sudden cardiac death
– May allow for more active lifestyles in some patients - Customizable therapy:
– Can be programmed to deliver different types of therapy based on the patient’s needs
– May include anti-tachycardia pacing, cardioversion, or defibrillation - Remote monitoring capabilities:
– Many modern ICDs can transmit data to healthcare providers remotely
– Allows for earlier detection of potential issues
Post-procedure care:
- Typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation
- A small incision is made, usually below the left collarbone
- The ICD generator is placed in a pocket created under the skin
- One or more leads are threaded through veins into the heart
- The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours
- Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay
Long-term considerations:
- Battery typically lasts 5-7 years, requiring eventual replacement
- Regular follow-up appointments for device checks
- Some lifestyle adjustments may be necessary (e.g., avoiding strong electromagnetic fields)
- Psychological impact of living with an ICD (e.g., anxiety about receiving shocks)
What PATIENTS SAYS !!
Vishal Saxena
Heart Patient
I am grateful to Dr Gautam Swaroop for the medical treatment provided to me during my stay at Sahara hospital,when we lost all hopes ...We believe our prayers was answered by competent,composed and caring Dr Gautam swaroop...
Ram Dev Maurya
Heart Patient
I am really happy to quote that generally doctors after doing surgery and operations...immediately after the operation there is poor accessibility of doctors but Dr gautam swaroop is always available for his patient 24*7
Bechan prasad mishra
Heart Patient
30 minutes after my heart attack I was rushed to Sahara hospital Dr. gautam swaroop put a Life saving stent immediately....and i am alive ....whenever I go and meet Dr. Gautam Swaroop for regular checkup I always feel I am in safe hands
Ranjan Kumar singh
Heart Patient
My patient was on ventilator because of heart attack. We were refused from all hospitals in Lucknow including LARI cardiology. We had lost hope. We admitted under Dr Gautam Swaroop. He did Angioplasty on ventilator and he saved my Father’s life. He has got miraculous hand.My whole family is thankful to him. He is next to God for us.
