Defibrillator Implant

Defibrillator implant is a medical device designed for monitoring and regulating heartbeats. It is also referred to as an implantable cardiac defibrillator or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This electronic tool is recommended only for people who suffer from abnormal heart rate, heart diseases, and those who are at high risk of heart attacks. In short, it is a therapeutic tool for addressing irregular heart rhythms and avoiding future heart attack.

Defibrillator Implant Parts and Working

An implantable defibrillator or simply, a defibrillator is positioned in the chest portion. It consists of two components, namely, pulse generator and leads. The former is made of computerized parts that are operated by means of a battery, while the latter component is an insulated wiring system that connects the generator and the human heart. The generator part is responsible for collecting information from the leads and identifying abnormal heart rhythm. It then sends electrical impulses to the heart muscles via the leads.

The working principle of a defibrillator is to detect rapid or irregular heart rhythms and send a jolt of electricity to the heart. This energy shock brings about contraction of the heart, thereby restoring normal heartbeats. According to the patient's current heart condition, the doctor may program the generator of the defibrillator implant to transmit low or high energy impulses or at times, both (as per the requirements). When the defibrillator sends full energy shocks to the heart, a patient may feel mild thumps in the chest.

Defibrillator Implantation Procedure

Implantation of a defibrillator is done by performing a minor surgical procedure in an operating room. A local anesthesia is given prior to conducting the surgery. The vital signs (heartbeat, respiration rate) are monitored throughout the surgery. During the surgery, two small incisions are made, one slightly underneath the collarbone and another below the first cut. First, the leads are introduced through the second incision, which are then adjusted carefully. The other ends of the leads connected to the generator are fed through the initial incision. Following this, the surgical cuts are sutured.

The procedure for implanting ICD usually lasts for 2 hours. After the surgery, imaging tests are conducted in order to check whether the fitted device is in the correct position or not. In general, the candidate is kept under observation for about 48 hours to examine any unusual side effects. Also, the doctor may advise precautionary steps that should be followed for a certain period after the surgery. For example, a patient who has received the device should abstain from stressing the upper body parts.

Speaking about the cost of implantable cardiac defibrillator and charges for surgery, the total cost may come about USD 40,000 to USD 50,000 per patient. The actual cost will differ based on the location, age of the patient, and risk of complications (if any). If the patient experiences postoperative complications, then he/she is required to lengthen the hospital stay period. Accordingly, total cost of defibrillator implant surgery is higher. Once implanted, the ICD lasts for 3 - 6 years, considering that suggested care is followed properly.

Defibrillator Implant Safety

Though the implantable cardiac defibrillator is known to save the lives of many heart patients (especially those who are at an increased risk of heart attack), a major drawback is that there are no standard criteria for determining whether a person really needs the device or not. A case study has revealed that some of the candidates who have received ICD do not actually get medical benefits from the device. Also, like any other medical tools and surgical procedures, implantation of a defibrillator is associated with certain positive and negative health effects.

The physician is the most reliable person for determining whether a patient actually requires it or not. Accordingly, the safety of implantable cardiac defibrillator will be examined for the patient. A final decision for implantation procedure will be made only after examining and comparing the pros and cons. On the concluding note, an ICD is safe and beneficial for those who genuinely need it. But, do not miss the follow-up visits suggested by the concerned doctor. The first checkup is most likely to schedule within 3 - 6 weeks after surgery.

Complications related to defibrillator implant surgery are reported in about 1 percent of the total patients who have received the device. Some of the reported cases include infections at the incision site, mild chest pain, and shortness of breath. Rarely, an individual may succumb to fainting. The point is, take advice from the physician about the benefits and complications of ICD implantation surgery prior to undergoing the procedure. It is always advisable to seek immediate medical attention, in case the symptoms of abnormal heartbeat return after implanting the device.