An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device. It fixes life-threatening changes in your heartbeat. If the ICD detects a life-threatening heart rhythm, it may try to get it back to normal using electrical pulses. If the dangerous rhythm does not stop, the ICD sends an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode.
The doctor puts an ICD in your chest and attaches it to one or two thin wires, called leads. The leads carry the shocks from the ICD to the heart.
Before the procedure, you will get medicine to help you relax. The doctor will make an incision (cut) in the skin just below your collarbone or at the side of your chest. The doctor will put the ICD leads through the cut. For one type of ICD, your doctor puts one or two leads (wires) in a large blood vessel and threads them into the heart. For another type, the lead may be placed under the skin through a small cut in the middle of your chest. Then your doctor connects the leads to the ICD. Your doctor puts the ICD under the skin of your chest and closes the cut. Your doctor also programs the ICD.
The procedure may take about 1 or 2 hours. You may stay in the hospital for at least one night.
You can likely return to many of your normal activities after you get an ICD. But to stay safe, you may need to make some changes to your normal routine. You will need to be careful with certain types of electronic equipment. And you'll need to take extra care with medical and dental tests and procedures. You will be given specific instructions after getting your ICD.
You may feel anxious or worried about having an ICD. This is common. You might feel better if you use techniques to help you relax. Make a plan for what to do if the ICD shocks you. And think about how the ICD will help you. Talk to your doctor about ways to help ease anxiety.
Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.
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ICD placement is surgery to put an ICD in your chest. An ICD is a small, battery-powered device that fixes life-threatening changes in your heartbeat.
Your chest may be sore where the doctor made the cut (incision) and put in the ICD. You also may have a bruise and mild swelling. These symptoms usually get better in 1 to 2 weeks. You may feel a hard ridge along the incision. This usually gets softer in the months after surgery. You may be able to see and feel the outline of the ICD under your skin.
You may be able to go back to work or your usual routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about how often you will need to have the ICD checked.
You'll need to take steps to safely use electric devices. Some of these devices can stop your ICD from working right for a short time. Check with your doctor about what to avoid and what to keep a short distance away from your ICD. For example, you will need to stay away from things with strong magnetic and electrical fields. An example is an MRI machine (unless your ICD is safe for an MRI). You can use a cell phone and other wireless devices, but keep them at least 6 inches away from your ICD. Many household and office electronics don't affect an ICD.
Your doctor will put the ICD under the skin of your chest during minor surgery. You will not have open-chest surgery.
You probably will have local anesthesia. This means that you will be awake but feel no pain. You also will likely have medicine to make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
Your doctor makes a small cut (incision) in the skin just below your collarbone. The cut may be on either side of your chest. The doctor puts one or two leads (wires) through the cut. The leads go into a large blood vessel in the upper chest. Then your doctor guides the leads through the blood vessel and into your heart. Your doctor will place the ICD under the skin of your chest. The doctor will attach the leads to the ICD. Then the cut is closed with stitches. Your doctor also programs the ICD.
In some cases, the doctor may be able to put the ICD in another place in the chest so that you don't have a scar on your upper chest. This would allow you to wear clothing with a lower neckline and still keep the scar covered.
Most people spend the night in the hospital, just to make sure that the device is working and that there are no problems from the surgery.
You may be able to see a little bump under the skin where the ICD is placed.
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