Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Find a heart specialistAn irregular heart rhythm reduces blood flow from your heart through your body. As a result, you may experience shortness of breath, abnormal fatigue or fainting (syncope).
Our heart specialists are here to help care for your heart and provide guidance to help get your heart back on a steady beat. Your treatment plan could include an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
What is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator?
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device implanted in your chest or abdomen, which treats abnormally fast heart rates or arrhythmias, especially those that can cause your heart to stop beating. Small wires connect to the ICD and help restore an irregular heartbeat.
Before you get an ICD, your doctor will determine which device(s) you may need after completing an electrophysiology study – a test that helps your doctor better understand what’s happening with your heart’s electrical system.
Most ICDs also function as pacemakers, implanted devices that regulate heartbeat. We can custom program the ICD to help ensure that your heart beats in a regular pattern to best treat your condition
ICD treatment
Typically, the procedure is performed by two electrophysiologists – doctors who specialize in the heart’s electrical system.
When the heart develops an irregular heartbeat, an ICD gives your heart a small electrical charge to restore a normal heartbeat. It also can provide a stronger shock to your heart if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs. In these life-threatening arrhythmias, your heart quivers instead of beating, which can lead to syncope (fainting) or sudden cardiac death.
You'll see your surgeon for personalized guidelines to prepare for surgery including:
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
- Giving instructions on how to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answering your questions and concerns
Your implantation procedure will take place in a lab or a special surgical suite. The procedure usually takes two hours.
During the procedure you’ll receive a local anesthetic, so you’ll be awake while your doctor implants your pacemaker, but you won’t feel any pain.
We’ll monitor your heart’s electrical activity using an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine.
We’ll implant your ICD just below your collarbone on your non-dominant side. For example, if you’re right-handed then we’ll most likely insert the device on your left. We’ll disinfect and possibly shave a small area on your upper chest.
Your doctor will take chest X-rays to help determine exactly where to place the ICD leads to the appropriate chamber(s) in your heart. Each lead connects the appropriate section of your heart to a small generator.
You shouldn’t feel any pain. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
You may need to stay for several hours or overnight in the hospital while you recover so we can monitor your condition. We’ll monitor your heart using an EKG to ensure the device is working properly. Be sure to arrange for someone to give you a ride home once you’re discharged.
You might wear a sling on the arm that is close to your defibrillator as a reminder to be careful while you recover. Also, you may want to take a few days off from work to rest.
Before going home, we’ll go over detailed instructions about your recovery including:
- Exercise: Your doctor will give you detailed instructions and guidelines on what kind of physical activity is safe in the first few months after your implant.
- Follow-up appointments: Be sure to keep these appointments so your doctor can test and reprogram the ICD to best fit your needs.
- Remote monitoring: Your ICD will regularly transmit messages to our monitoring team so we can see how well the device is working. However, you’ll still need to come in for appointments on occasion.
- Living with your new device: Most people with ICDs find that they can quickly resume their everyday activities. Be sure to let your medical and dental professionals know that you have an ICD. You’ll also need to alert screeners at the airport as your device may set off metal detectors.
Placing your trust in our team
People from around eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois choose our hospitals and clinics for our track record of safety and excellence. You can feel confident with our:
- National ranking: U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks our heart program among the best in the country. We’re dedicated to improving and transforming heart care.
- Top team: Our heart specialists have participated in research studies to help advance the development of ICDs. Also, several of our surgeons completed fellowships after their initial medical training, making them among the most highly trained vascular and heart specialists in the country.
- Advanced technology: We use the latest ICD devices to help relieve your symptoms of arrhythmia and help you live an active life.
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