Internal Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) are devices implanted in patients that are at risk of dying suddenly. ICDs monitor the heart's rhythm and if a fatal arrhyhtmia is seen they can deliver shocks that can convert the patient back into normal rhythm and save a life. Lean about ICDs, what they are and why they are used and how to life with one.

1. What are Implantable
Cardiac Defibrillators?
Jose Osorio, MD

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an electrical
problem with the heart that triggers a
dangerously fast heart rhythm (ventricular
fibrillation).
The rapid, irregular heart rhythm causes the
heart to quiver rather than contract or pump.
When the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen
cannot reach the body and brain.

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If not treated immediately, SCA is fatal.
One of the nation‟s top killers, sudden
cardiac arrest, claims more lives that breast
cancer, AIDs, or lung cancer.

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An ICD is a battery-powered
device placed under the skin
that keeps track of your heart
beat
Wires connect the ICD to your
heart.
The ICD keeps track of each
heart beat
If your heart goes into a fast
rhythm that is potentially
life-theatenning  SHOCK

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The ICD goes under
your skin
Connected to your
heart by one or more
wires called „leads.‟
It knows when the
heartbeat is not
normal.
◦ It tries to return the
heartbeat to normal.

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An ICD is a device that will protect you
against Sudden cardiac death
The ICD will save your life if your heart goes
into a fast rhythm problem
“Air Bag”

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Patients at risk of dying suddenly
◦ At risk of developing fast heart rhythms that are life
threatening
◦ Who are those patients?
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Congestive Heart Failure
History of Sudden Death
History of life threatening rhythm problems
Genetic Conditions

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Remember, the ICD is there to help you if you
need

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Microwave ovens, electric blankets, remote
controls for TV and other common household
appliances won‟t affect your ICD.
You can use a cell phone, too, if you take
these steps:
• Hold the phone to the ear on the side of
your body opposite from your ICD.
• When your phone is on, try to keep it at
least six inches away from your ICD. For
example, don‟t carry your phone in your
breast pocket over your ICD.

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In addition to these check-ups with your
doctor, your clinic or practice may
choose to have your implantable
defibrillator checked through remote
monitoring.
This remote monitoring can replace
some visits, but not all. Your doctor may
still need to perform a physical
examination to adjust your defibrillator
settings or medications.

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ICD batteries last between 5 and 7 years.
Your doctor will replace the generator along
with the battery before the battery begins to
run down.
Replacing the generator/battery is less
involved surgery than the original surgery
to implant the ICD.
The wires of your ICD also may need to be
replaced eventually. Your doctor can tell
you whether you need to replace your ICD
or its wires.

18. Leads are the actual wires that carry
the electrical charges to areas of the
heart.
 If the original leads are functioning
properly, in most cases, they can be
left in place and reattached to the
new device.
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19. An ICD usually won't limit you from
taking part in sports and
exercise, including strenuous
activities.
 You may need to avoid full-contact
sports, such as football. Such contact
could damage your ICD or shake loose
the wires in your heart. Ask your
doctor how much and what kinds of
physical activity are safe for you.


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These procedures include:
◦ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
◦ Shock-wave lithotripsy to treat
kidney stones
◦ Electrocauterization to stop bleeding
during surgery

21. Avoid close or prolonged contact with
electrical devices or devices that have strong
magnetic fields. Devices that can interfere
with an ICD include:
 Cell phones and MP3 players (for
example, iPods)
 High-tension wires
 Metal detectors
 Industrial welders
 Electrical generators

22.  That
depends on what you do for
a living. Most people with an ICD
are able to continue working.
 Speak with your doctor about your
occupation.

23. Yes, you can travel with your device
and drive a car if cleared by your
doctor.
 You should be sure to always have
your identification card with you
wherever you go.
 Persons with ICDs may not be allowed
to drive unless cleared by their
physician.
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If you lost consciousness due to a heart
rhythm abnormality, the your typically
cannot drive for a period of time after the
device is implanted.
This time varies state-to-state and
provider-to-provider.
If you have had the device installed as a
"primary prevention" device, then driving is
likely permitted once your arm heals to
permit unrestricted arm movement.

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Remember, it's usually NOT the
presence of the device that limits your
driving, it's your clinical history
patients who have blacked out
before, usually must demonstrate that
this is unlikely to occur again after the
device is installed.

26. If there is no reason vigorous exertion
is likely to be harmful AND the device
is fully healed for four weeks, then
sexual relations may resume.
 If you have a shock during sex, the
partner rarely senses a significant jolt
from the device.
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