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Patient Story
Successful heart surgery at We Care India partner hospital allows Robert Clarke to live a normal life despite a rare genetic disorder We Care india helped Robert find best super specialised surgeon for his rare condition.
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Heart Surgery
ICD
Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators
What are implantable cardiac defibrillators?
 An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is a small electronic device installed inside the chest to prevent sudden death from cardiac arrest due to life threatening abnormally fast heart rhythms (tachycardias). The ICD is capable of monitoring the heart rhythm. When the heart is beating normally, the device remains inactive. If the heart develops a life-threatening tachycardia, the ICD delivers an electrical "shock(s)" to the heart to terminate the abnormal rhythm and return the heart rhythm to normal.
How is an ICD implanted?
A battery-powered pulse generator is implanted in a pouch under the skin of the chest or abdomen, often just below the collarbone. The generator may be a little larger than a man's wallet. Wires or leads run from the pulse generator to positions on the surface of or inside the heart. Newer devices are smaller and have simpler lead systems. They can be installed through blood vessels, eliminating the need for open-chest surgery.
When the ICD detects ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, it shocks the heart to restore the normal rhythm. New devices also provide "overdrive" pacing to electrically convert a sustained ventricular tachycardia (fast heart rhythm) and "backup" pacing if bradycardia (slow heart rhythm) occurs. They also offer a host of other sophisticated functions such as storage of detected arrhythmic events and the ability to perform electrophysiologic testing.
How often do I need to get my ICD checked?
After you get your ICD, you will have to go to the doctor for regular check-ups. ICDs can also be checked over the telephone. This is called transtelephonic monitoring. Even with telephone monitoring, you will still need to go to your doctor's office for regular check-ups. The ICD is checked with a device called a programmer. When the programmer is held over the ICD, your doctor is able to tell if the ICD is working properly, how much power is left in the battery, and if the device has delivered therapy. The programmer can also be used to change the settings of the ICD.
An ICD battery usually lasts between 4 and 8 years, depending on how many shocks it sends. When the battery runs down, a new ICD will be implanted. In most cases, your original ICD leads will not need to be replaced.
Will electronic devices affect my ICD?
If you have an ICD, you should always be aware of your surroundings. It is safe for you to be around wood working tools and normal home appliances, including microwave ovens. Stay away from heavy equipment that has very strong magnetic fields or strong electric fields (antennas, arc welders, and industrial equipment). Your doctor will help you understand what to avoid when you have an ICD.
Results
Because of their capabilities, ICDs have become standard treatment for anyone who has survived cardiac arrest and are used increasingly in individuals who are at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. If you have an ICD, your risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest is significantly lower than it would be if you were treated only with medications to correct your heartbeat.
If you're at high risk of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, an ICD may be your best defense against cardiac arrest. Once you have an ICD, it's likely you'll need to keep it for life. Although the electrical shocks may be unsettling, they're evidence that the ICD is effectively treating your heart rhythm problem and protecting you from sudden death. Talk to your doctor about how to best care for your ICD.
After your procedure, you'll need to take some precautions to avoid injuries and make sure your ICD works properly.
Short-term precautions
You'll likely be able to return to normal activities, such as exercise, work and sex, soon after you recover from surgery.
During the first four weeks following surgery, however, your doctor may ask you to refrain from:
- Vigorous above-the-shoulder activities or exercises, including golf, tennis, swimming, bicycling, bowling or vacuuming
- Lifting anything weighing more than 5 pounds
- Playing contact sports
- Strenuous exercise programs
Battery life
The lithium battery in your implantable cardioverter-defibrillator can last up to seven years. During your regular checkups, which occur every three to six months, your doctor or nurse will check the battery. When the battery is nearly out of power, your old shock generator is replaced with a new one during an outpatient procedure that's relatively minor compared with your initial surgery.
Risks
The procedure to implant an ICD has some risks, but they are rare. Risks of the procedure to implant an ICD include : -
- Infection at the site where your ICD was implanted
- Allergic reaction to the medications used during the procedure to implant your ICD
- Swelling, bleeding or bruising where your ICD was implanted
- Damage to the vein where your ICD leads are placed
- Bleeding around your heart, which can be life-threatening
- Blood leaking through the heart valve where the ICD lead is placed
For more information, medical assessment and medical quote
send your detailed medical history and medical reports
as email attachment to
Email : - info@wecareindia.com
Call: +91 9029304141 (10 am. To 8 pm. IST)
(Only for international patients seeking treatment in India)
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