Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators

Implantable cardiac defibrillators are devices that deliver a shock to treat a life threatening arrhythmia. These devices are larger than pacemakers and occupy about 40 cubic centimeters of space. The shock of an implantable cardiac defibrillator causes pain. Some patients have described the shock as being hit in the back by a large stick.

Implantable cardiac defibrillators have been shown to reduce mortality in patients who are at high risk of sudden death. Those at risk may include people who recently suffered from a life threatening arrhythmia or people with severely reduced heart function. There are some risks involved in placing an implantable cardiac defibrillator. There is a very small risk of perforation of the heart, collapse of the lung, infection, and an extremely small risk of death.

Defibrillators usually last for about 5 years. Patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators usually have them checked once every 3 months. Sometimes follow-up can occur over the telephone or over the internet.