IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATOR Meaning and
Definition
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An implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device designed to monitor and regulate the electrical activity of the heart. It is surgically implanted into the body, typically below the collarbone, and plays a crucial role in preventing sudden cardiac arrest in individuals at high risk.
The primary function of an implantable cardiac defibrillator is to continuously monitor the heart's rhythm and detect any abnormalities such as dangerously fast or irregular heartbeats. When such abnormalities are detected, the ICD delivers an electric shock or a series of shocks to the heart, aiming to restore the normal rhythm. This process is known as defibrillation and can effectively terminate life-threatening arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.
ICDs are equipped with sophisticated sensing and pacing capabilities, allowing them to differentiate between benign and potentially dangerous heart rhythms. In addition to their defibrillation function, they can also deliver high-energy pacing pulses, which help to restore a normal heart rhythm by overriding abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
Implantable cardiac defibrillators have proven to be highly effective in preventing sudden cardiac death, particularly in patients with a history of heart disease, previous heart attacks, or certain genetic conditions that predispose them to life-threatening arrhythmias. The device is continuously monitored by healthcare professionals, who can remotely assess its performance and adjust its settings in response to the patient's changing needs.
