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ICDs and Cardiac
Resynchronization Therapy |
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
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Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator
Copyright © 2006 Nucleus Medical Art Inc. All rights reserved.
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Automatic cardioverter defibrillator implantation is the surgical insertion of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is a small battery-operated device that is implanted in the chest and continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm. These days, implantable defibrillators combine the function of a pacemaker with the function of an external defibrillator. The mechanism monitors the heart’s rate and rhythm. If the heart slows or speeds up too much, the pacemaker element provides pacing to restore a normal heart rate. If the heart begins to beat in a disorganized fashion, the device provides a shock to restore normal rhythm.
Reasons for Procedure
 A Medtronic ICD
(shown for size)
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 The device being implanted by Dr. Yarlagadda |
An ICD is inserted when the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) are at risk for rhythm disturbances, specifically beating too slowly (bradycardia), too rapidly (ventricular tachycardia), or in an unsynchronized fashion (ventricular fibrillation). If a disturbance in the heart’s rhythm keeps the heart from delivering blood to the brain and other vital organs, sudden cardiac death (SCD) or cardiac arrest can occur.
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ICDs are implanted in patients who:
- Have survived one or more episodes of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or sudden cardiac death
- Heart attack survivors at high risk for future cardiac arrest
- Individuals with the condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart muscle that doesn’t function properly)
- Have a high likelihood of developing sustained ventricular fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation
-- by Mary Calvagna, MS
Cardiac Resychronication Therapy
A Medtronic biventricular pacemaker
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Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a proven treatment for selected patients with heart failure-induced conduction disturbances and ventricular dyssynchrony. When used in combination with stable, optimal medical therapy, CRT is designed to reduce symptoms and improve cardiac function by restoring the mechanical sequence of ventricular activation and contraction. (Medtronic)
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