Defibrillator Implant Procedure

The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body. In fact, it is the only organ that starts beating even before we open our eyes, and continues to do so without any rest until we take our last breath. Our heartbeats are based on some patterns depending upon the electric signals that it receives from the heart muscles. However, due to some problems in the heart function, these electric signals can result in creating false signals that may lead to irregular heartbeat. The medical term for irregularity in the heart rhythm is known as arrhythmia. If the heartbeats at a very fast rate, that is more than 100 beats per second in adults, the condition is known as tachycardia. On the other hand, if the heartbeats at a lower rate, that is 60 beats per minute or even less, the condition is known as bradycardia. Conducting a defibrillator implant procedure on a person who is suffering from unnatural cardiac rhythm helps the person regain the normal heartbeat and make the heart function in a healthy manner.

What is Defibrillator Implant Surgery?

A defibrillator surgery is usually done on a person suffering from serious abnormal heartbeats that can prove to be life-threatening. Many times, this surgery is done after a person has suffered from a serious heart attack! A device known as Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is implanted in a person's chest or waistline. This device helps the heart to beat normally by generating electrical impulses that are mild in nature so that the heartbeats in its natural rhythm. The ICD consists of a pulse generator which is responsible for emitting mild electric impulses and shocks, so that the heart functions properly. Patients who have undergone a defibrillator implant procedure state that the shock feels like a sudden forceful thump in the chest.

Procedure of Defibrillator Implant Surgery

It is a minor surgery that may take anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours depending upon the severity of the condition. The procedure goes like this. Firstly, the surgeon would give the patient certain medicines so that the heart rate is calm enough for the person to relax and eventually fall asleep. Once the patient is in a relaxed state of mind, the doctor then makes the area of operation absolutely numb so that the patient doesn't feel the pain. The ICD consists of 2 parts, the pulse generator, which consists of the battery and the electronic circuits; and the lead wires. The surgeon first threads the wires into the veins and places them in the correct location. The doctors take help of an x-ray video to determine if the wires are placed in the correct place. Once that is done, the next step is to make a small cut in the chest or the abdomen of the patient to slip the ICD's pulse generator. Once the ICD has been placed under the skin, the doctors test the working of the ICD while the patient is still asleep so that the patient doesn't feel the electric pulses. After checking the ICD, the surgeon would sew the cut on your abdomen or chest, thereby performing the last step of the surgery.

The recovery of the surgery depends upon how well and smoothly the surgery has been performed. Normally, the doctors take each and every precaution to keep the procedure as safe as possible so that no complications occur, even after the surgery. You may have to stay for a few days in the hospital until after, but once you are discharged you can go back to your normal life. As a precaution, your doctors may advise you not to take bath for a few days until the wound is completely healed. Also, the patient is not advised to lift weights more than 20 pounds for a few weeks.

Once the defibrillator implant procedure has been performed, the patient must constantly get a thorough check up done at regular intervals. They must also stay away from electrical devices that have large magnetic fields due to the ICD installed within. This surgical procedure may lead to certain complications such as device malfunction. Therefore, one must pay extra attention to the instructions of the doctor as a follow-up. Considering the fact that defibrillator implant costs a lot, one must do what it takes to make it all worth it. After all, nothing is more important than health, is it? Have a safe tomorrow!