Details of Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

An automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) is a device implantable inside the body, able to perform cardioversion, defibrillation, and pacing of the heart.The device is therefore capable of correcting most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. This is the first-line treatment and prophylactic therapy for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The way of implantation is similar to implantation of pacemaker.

May include:

• Arrhythmia. 
• Ventricular tachycardia. 
• Ventricular fibrillation. 
• Cardiomyopathy. 
• Heart failure 
• Congenital heart defects.

• Electrocardiography (ECG).
• Echocardiography.
• MRI, CT or X-ray.
• Electrophysiology study (EPS).
• Holter monitoring.

During this procedure, Doctor makes some incisions and guides the lead through a vein and attaches them to the specific parts of your heart muscle. And then attache the other end to the pulse generator and that device is placed under the skin of the chest. This is done with the help of An X-ray monitoring tool called a fluoroscope.

• Infection at the implant site
• Allergic reaction to the medications used during the procedure
• Swelling, bleeding or bruising where your ICD was implanted
• Damage to the vein where your ICD leads are placed
• Bleeding around your heart, which can be life-threatening 
• Blood leaking through the heart valve where the ICD lead is placed 
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)