An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device placed in the chest to monitor heart rhythms and deliver electrical impulses to restore normal heartbeat when necessary. Patients with conditions like ventricular arrhythmia, long QT syndrome, or a history of sudden cardiac arrest may require an ICD. Post-surgery, patients must avoid strenuous activities and maintain certain distances from electronic devices and machinery to ensure the ICD functions properly.

1. Implantable
Cardioverter
Defibrillators (ICDs)

2. What Is An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
• It is a small battery-powered
device placed onto the chest
wall to monitor heart rhythm
and detect irregular heartbeats.
• If required, it can deliver
electric impulses to the
heart to restore normal rhythm.

3. Who Requires ICDs?
Patients with following conditions may
require ICD placement:
• Ventricular arrhythmia
• Long QT syndrome
• Congenital heart disease
• History of sudden cardiac arrest
• Brugada syndrome
• History of heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy (diseased heart
muscles)

4. How Is An
ICD Placed?

5. Anesthesia is administered
to numb the chest wall
area below the left
collarbone.

6. An incision is made
through the skin to place
the ICD generator
(consisting of battery and
electrical circuits) under
the muscle.

7. Using special X-ray guiding
images, electrodes are
placed in the right ventricle
of the heart through the
veins.

8. Electrodes are then
connected to the pulse
generator, placed on near
the collar bone.

9. The incision is then closed.

10. • The ICD constantly monitors the heart
rhythm through the electrodes.
• If the heartbeat is irregular, the signals
are transmitted to the ICD through the
electrodes.
• The ICD then sends electrical
impulses to the left ventricle
to regulate the heartbeat .
• ICD can be programmed for
low-energy pacing or providing
• high-energy shock .
How Does An ICD Work?

11. Short-term Precautions After The Surgery
Performing
exercises or activities
that engage shoulder
muscles
For four-weeks after the surgery, avoid:
Lifting
heavy weights
Playing
contact sports
Playing intense
sports such as
tennis, bowling,
or golf

12. Living With ICDs
Keep cellphones atleast six inches
away from the ICD

13. Living With ICDs
Tell your healthcare providers
if advised MRI, MRA, or
radiofrequency tests.

14. Living With ICDs
Maintain 2 feet distance from
motor-generator system,
high-voltage transformers
or welding equipment.

15. Living With ICDs
Inform airport security personnel
before undergoing checks under
metal detector and surveillance
system.

16. Living With ICDs
Keep magnets 6 inches
away from the ICD site.