An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is like a tiny computer with a battery. The weight of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is around three ounces. It is a heart device implanted under the skin below the collarbone on the left or right side of the chest. Along with the heart defibulator, leads are implanted. These leads send information signals to the heart defibulator from the heart. A programmer is the third implantable device that helps program the device. The implanted defibulator mimics the activity of a natural defibulator. When the natural defibulator starts failing due to aging or other factors, an implanted defibulator can take over its work.   

 

 

Heart or cardiac diseases are life threatening. Patients always face the risks of developing dangerous heart rates. Sudden cardiac problems are among the common reasons of death. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator reduces these risks. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator is also termed the ICD. This heart defibulator helps in restoring normal heart rates. The defibulator monitors the heart continuously. On detecting any threat of an abnormal heart rate, it corrects the abnormality through an electrical signal.

 

 

Some rare risks may be associated with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

 

• Bleeding: It is one of the potential risks of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. It can occur around the heart and can raise the risks of other life-threatening conditions. Blood may leak from the heart valve where an ICD lead is placed.

 

• Infection: One of the risks of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is infection. Infection can occur at the implant site. Swelling and bruising are other associated potential risks.

 

• Allergic Reactions: Medications used during implantation of the defibulator may cause risks of allergic reactions.

 

• Vein Damage: Risks of damaging the veins can occur. This can happen to veins in which the leads are placed.

 

 

Implantation of a defibulator has a number of benefits. It acts in a manner similar to the natural defibulator and prevents cardiac diseases. Some other benefits are:

 

• It continuously monitors heart rhythms

• It corrects fast heart rates

• It restores normal heart rates

• It provides protection and acts as a lifesaving therapy

• It provides peace of mind to the patients and their caregivers

• It prevents the risks of a cardiac arrest