Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) Implantable cardioverter defibrillator, known in short as ICD, is a device which monitors the heart rhythm continuously and treats it electrically when needed. As it functions automatically without the need for a bystander intervention as in automated external defibrillator or AED, it is also known as automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator or AICD. When Michel Mirowski reported on a standby automatic defibrillator in 1970, it was met with a lot of skepticism [1]. But now ICD is a time tested life-saving equipment. The most commonly implanted ICD is also called transvenous ICD because the leads are introduced through the veins into the heart. A purely subcutaneous ICD with lead implanted subcutaneously in the left parasternal region is also available. Recently an extravascular ICD has been tested, with a lead in the retrosternal space, with performance better than purely subcutaneous ICD and almost nearing the transvenous ICD. These new types of ICDs have been innovated to avoid the potential problems with transvenous leads in the conventional ICD system. Leads in the vascular system can get infected, can get fractured or dislodged and occasionally perforate the cardiac chambers. Leads can also lead to intravascular thrombus formation. For these reasons, lead has been called as the ‘Achilles Heel’ of most cardiac implantable electronic devices, which include pacemakers and ICDs. The ICD system consists of a pul...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: ECG / Electrophysiology Source Type: blogs