Defibrillator Implant

Defibrillator implant is a medical intervention used for monitoring and regulating the heartbeats. It is also referred to as implantable cardiac defibrillator or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Defibrillator implant is recommended only for those people who suffer from abnormal heart rate and other heart diseases. In simpler terms, it is a therapeutic treatment option for irregular heart rhythms.

Defibrillator Implant Parts and Working

An implantable defibrillator or simply, a defibrillator consists of two components, namely, 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 connect the generator and the human heart. The generator part is responsible for identifying abnormal heart rate and sending electrical impulses to the heart through the leads.

The working principle of defibrillator is that it detects rapid or irregular heartbeat and sends energy shock to the heart, which is responsible for bringing the heart to normal rhythm. According to the patient's current heart condition, the doctor may program the defibrillator implant to transmit low energy 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 procedure, 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 cuts are closed.

Once the procedure is completed, imaging tests are conducted in order to check whether the fitted device is in the correct position or not. In general, the patient is monitored for about 48 hours for any unusual side effects. The doctor may advice various 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 up to $50,000 per patient. Though implantable cardiac defibrillator has saved the lives of many heart patients, a major drawback is that there are no standard criteria for determining whether a patient really needs the device or not. A case study has revealed that majority of the patients who have received defibrillator do not actually get medical benefits from the device.

Defibrillator Implant Safety

Like any other surgical procedures, defibrillator implants are associated with certain positive and negative health effects. Nevertheless, the physician is the best reference person for determining whether defibrillator implants are safe for a particular patient or not. He/she may advice on conducting the implantation procedure, only after examining and comparing the pros and cons. On the concluding note, a defibrillator implant is safe and beneficial for those who require it.

Complications of defibrillator implants are reported in about 1 percent of the total patients who have received the device. Some of the noticeable complications include infections at the incision site, mild chest pain and shortness of breath. Rarely, an individual may succumb to fainting. Prior to giving confirmation for defibrillator implantation procedure, consider consulting and seeking advice from the physician about the benefits and side effects. It is always advisable to seek immediate medical attention, in case the symptoms of abnormal heartbeat return after conducting cardiac defibrillator implant.