A permanent electronic device called an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) is implanted into the chest of a patient to monitor an improperly beating heart, such as one that beats too slowly (Bradycardia), too quickly (Tachycardia), or irregularly (Atrial Fibrillation). Arrhythmias relate to all of these irregular heartbeats. These devices are typically regarded as the best option and are mostly used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator: what is it?
An ICD is a subcutaneous, battery-operated device that monitors your heart rate. Your heart and the ICD are connected by tiny wires. The device will deliver an electric shock to reestablish a regular heartbeat if it detects an aberrant cardiac rhythm.
Just below the collarbone, an ICD is inserted under the skin. It recognizes arrhythmias and reacts with electrical signals to get your heart rhythm back to normal.
If a person has a potentially fatal arrhythmia with no treatable underlying reasons, such as the following:
- Heart attack or acute myocardial infarction
- (Insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle) Myocardial ischemia
- Unbalanced electrolytes and medication toxicity
How is an implanted ICD done?
A battery-operated pulse generator is inserted into a pouch under the skin of the chest, frequently along the ribcage or slightly below the collarbone. It might go in the infant’s abdomen. The generator resembles a pocket watch in size. There is no need for open chest surgery since wires or leads that run from the pulse generator to locations on the outside of or inside the heart can be placed through blood vessels.
What does AICD aim to achieve?
Arrhythmia is a condition of the heart in which the normal rhythm of the heartbeat is disrupted. It may be fast, sluggish, or irregular, which can cause subsequent heart problems that are potentially fatal or life threatening. Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are two of the most serious arrhythmias that have been documented to result in cardiac arrest and stoppage of blood flow, respectively. The best and most efficient treatment for such issues is an AICD, which may assist to dramatically increase a person’s chances of survival. This device uses a quick burst of high-speed pacing, often known as cardioversion, to try to stop any aberrant cardiac rhythm. Defibrillation, often known as defibrillation, is the device’s fallback if cardioversion fails to restore the heart’s rhythm.
Procedure for Implanting an AICD
An AICD is a permanent device that supports the heart in the event of abnormal heartbeats. The pacemaker’s implantation process is the same as that of the AICD. A generator and electrode lead(s) or wire(s) make up the AICD device. A capacitor, programmable software, a battery, and a computer chip or circuit with memory (RAM) make up the generator. Typically, the generator is subcutaneously placed on the upper left side of the chest. After being linked to the generator, the electrode wires are then routed through a vein and into the right heart chambers. The septum of the right ventricle is where these wires typically become stuck. The AICD device can gather and store information about the electrical activity of the heart for the cardiologist to review in addition to its capacity to aid in the proper management of heart rhythm. In contrast to AICDs, which are typically employed as permanent precautions against lethal arrhythmias, pacemakers are also available as temporary units and are typically used to treat Bradycardia (slow heart beat).
