Implantable Cardioverterdefibrillator
Definition
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a surgically implanted electronic device that directs an electric charge directly into the heart to treat life-threatening arrhythmias.
Purpose
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is used to detect and stop life-threatening arrhythmias and restore a productive heartbeat that is able to provide adequate cardiac output to sustain life. The exact indications for the implantation of the device are controversial, but patients suffering from ventricular fibrillation (unproductive heartbeat), ventricular tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat), long QT syndrome (an inherited heart disease), or others at risk for sudden cardiac death are potential candidates for this device. A study by the National Institute for Heart, Lung,...
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