ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) | Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death | MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) is an advanced heart device that detects life threatening heart rhythm disorders and automatically delivers the required treatment. To whom is an ICD fitted, how is it applied, and what is the treatment process like? Get detailed information with the evaluations of Prof. Dr. Osman Beton.
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
Certain severe rhythm disorders occurring in the electrical conduction system of the heart can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively and pose a vital risk. Especially life threatening rhythm disorders such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are among the most significant causes of sudden cardiac death. Therefore, drug treatment alone may not be sufficient in high risk patients, and there may be a need for advanced devices that continuously monitor the heart and make automatic interventions when necessary. ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) is one of the high tech pacemaker systems developed for this purpose.
An ICD is an implantable electronic device that monitors the heart rhythm 24 hours a day and automatically applies appropriate electrical therapy when it detects dangerous rhythm disorders. When necessary, it can try to correct the rhythm with low energy pacing stimuli or help the heart return to its normal rhythm by applying a controlled defibrillation shock in life threatening rhythm disorders. In addition, many ICD systems can also support a slow heart rhythm like a conventional pacemaker when required.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, ICD applications are planned by our Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Osman Beton in accordance with current international cardiology and rhythm disorder guidelines. The goal is to accurately identify patients at risk of sudden cardiac death and plan the most suitable device therapy for each patient.
What is an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)?
An ICD is an advanced electronic cardiac device that continuously monitors the heart rhythm and automatically administers treatment when it detects life threatening ventricular rhythm disorders.
The device consists of a generator placed under the skin and specialized leads extending to the heart. As long as dangerous rhythm disorders do not develop in the heart, the device performs monitoring only. When necessary, it aims to restore normal rhythm by applying low energy pacing therapy or controlled electric shocks according to the type of rhythm disorder.
To Whom Can an ICD Be Fitted?
An ICD is not applied to every heart patient. The treatment decision is made as a result of a detailed cardiological evaluation.
An ICD can be evaluated in the following situations:
Patients who have experienced ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Individuals with a history of ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Patients resuscitated from sudden cardiac death
Patients with severe heart failure and a high risk of sudden rhythm disorders
Certain hereditary rhythm disorder syndromes
Patients for whom the cardiology specialist deems ICD treatment necessary
The type of device and the system to be applied are determined entirely according to the clinical characteristics of the patient.
Which Tests Are Performed Before an ICD?
Before an ICD application is planned, a detailed cardiological evaluation is performed.
When deemed necessary;
Cardiology examination
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Holter rhythm recording
Echocardiography
Blood tests
Cardiac MRI or Cardiac CT
Electrophysiological Study (EPS) when required
Heart failure evaluation
can be applied.
Thanks to these examinations, both the risk of sudden cardiac death is evaluated and the ICD system to be used is determined.
How is an ICD Fitted?
ICD application is a procedure performed under sterile conditions in an interventional cardiology laboratory. It is mostly applied under local anesthesia.
A small incision is made below the collarbone, and specialized ICD leads are placed into the heart through a vein. After testing the correct positioning of the leads, the device generator is placed into a special pocket prepared under the skin, and the system is programmed.
After the procedure is completed, all functions of the device are checked in detail. Patients are kept under observation for a certain period, and a discharge plan is made according to their general health status.
What Are the Advantages of an ICD?
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) is one of the most important device therapies used in the management of life threatening heart rhythm disorders. Its ability to monitor the heart rhythm at all hours of the day and automatically intervene in necessary situations can provide significant protection, especially in patients with a high risk of sudden cardiac death. However, obtaining the same clinical outcome in every patient cannot be guaranteed. The decision to apply an ICD must be made in accordance with international cardiology guidelines and the patient’s individual risk profile.
In suitable patients, an ICD:
Can detect life threatening ventricular rhythm disorders.
Can help restore normal heart rhythm by applying automatic treatment when necessary.
Can contribute to reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Can continuously monitor the heart for 24 hours.
Can also perform pacemaker functions that support a slow heart rhythm in certain devices.
Allows long term monitoring of device performance through regular follow ups.
The benefit provided by an ICD may vary depending on the patient’s heart disease, left ventricular functions, type of rhythm disorder, and general health status.
Are There Risks to Getting an ICD?
ICD implantation is considered among safe procedures when performed by experienced interventional cardiology teams. Nevertheless, as with any interventional procedure, certain risks cannot be completely eliminated.
Prior to the procedure, a detailed evaluation of the patient is conducted and necessary tests are completed. Following the procedure, the patient is closely monitored for bleeding at the entry site, bruising, infection, lead related problems, or other rarely seen complications. In addition, proper programming and regular checks of the device are of great importance for long term treatment.
Life After an ICD
The vast majority of patients fitted with an ICD can return to their daily lives following the recovery process. In the first few weeks, it is recommended not to strain the arm on the side where the device was placed excessively and to follow the physician’s recommendations.
The ICD needs to be checked at regular intervals. During these checks, the battery status of the device, lead functions, and recorded rhythm disorders are evaluated using special programmer systems. Battery life may vary depending on the frequency of use and technical specifications of the device. When necessary, the system can continue to be used by simply replacing the generator.
Although cell phones, home electronics, and many electronic devices can be used safely in daily life, the healthcare team must be informed of the presence of an ICD before being exposed to systems that generate strong magnetic fields or undergoing certain medical imaging procedures.
Importance of Experience in ICD Treatment
In ICD treatment, correct patient selection, determining the appropriate device, accurate placement of leads, and proper programming of the device are among the elements that directly affect treatment success.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Prof. Dr. Osman Beton decides on the necessity of an ICD by evaluating patients’ ECG recordings, Holter results, echocardiography findings, heart failure evaluations, and other cardiological examinations in detail. The treatment plan is created individually for each patient in accordance with current international cardiology and electrophysiology guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are an ICD and a pacemaker the same device?
No. A permanent pacemaker is primarily used to support a slow heart rhythm. An ICD is an advanced device capable of detecting and treating life threatening fast rhythm disorders. Many ICD models can also perform pacemaker functions when necessary.
Is an ICD fitted through open heart surgery?
No. ICD implantation is not open heart surgery. The procedure is an interventional cardiology application usually performed under local anesthesia below the collarbone.
What is felt when an ICD delivers a shock?
When a life threatening rhythm disorder develops, the device can deliver electrical treatment if it deems it necessary. Sensations experienced by patients may vary from person to person. Detailed information regarding this topic is provided by the cardiology specialist prior to the procedure.
How long does an ICD battery last?
Battery life can vary depending on the model of the device, frequency of use, and the number of treatments delivered. Battery status is monitored during regular checkups, and generator replacement is planned when necessary.
Can a normal life be maintained after an ICD is fitted?
Yes. As long as physician recommendations are followed and regular checkups are not neglected, the majority of patients can maintain their daily lives safely.
Conclusion
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) is one of the advanced device therapies used in the treatment of life threatening heart rhythm disorders and in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. By continuously monitoring the heart rhythm and making automatic interventions when necessary, it can provide significant protection in suitable patients. However, ICD application is not necessary for every patient, and the decision must strictly be made after a detailed cardiological evaluation.
In line with comprehensive evaluations conducted by Prof. Dr. Osman Beton at MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, a personalized device treatment is planned for each patient. Patients applying from across Güzelyurt, TRNC, Cyprus, and North Cyprus can receive detailed evaluations regarding ICD, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, risk of sudden cardiac death, heart rhythm disorders, interventional cardiology, and advanced device therapies. If you have a heart condition carrying a risk of heart failure, severe rhythm disorder, or sudden cardiac death, early cardiology evaluation is of great importance in determining the appropriate treatment option.