Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (AICD or ICD)
What is Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (AICD)?
An Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (AICD or ICD) is a permanent device which monitors person’s abnormal heart rate. This device is mainly into patients with decreased heart function.Abnormal heart beats are known as Arrhythmias and it occurs when heart does not beat normally. The AICD gives heart a shock in case of life threatening arrhythmias or an abnormally high heart rate.
When AICD is indicated?
Doctor performs AICD procedure if patient is suffering from one or more reasons such as:
- At least one episode of Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) or Ventricular Fibrillation (Vfib).
- Previous cardiac arrest or abnormal heart rhythm.
- Risk of death due to reoccurrence of a fast heart rhythm.
- Ischemic or non ischemic cardiomyopathy.
- A fast heart rhythm which cannot be controlled with medications
- Severe side effects of medicines.
Advantages of Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) Implantation
Advantages of Subcutaneous ICD Implantation are:
- The Subcutaneous ICD Implantation is the best treatment for children suffering from congenital heart diseases due to the absence of leads withi the heart and the preservation of central venous circulation.
- There is no risk of vascular injury or pneumothorax in Subcutaneous ICD Implantation procedure.
- A Subcutaneous ICD Implantation is very effective in high risk cases of previous device infection, hemodialysis, chronic immunosuppression, immunodeficiencies therapy and artificial heart valves.
- Subcutaneous ICD Implantation is much simpler and safer than endovascular lead extraction procedure.
- There is no need for fluoroscopy due to the simplified Subcutaneous ICD Implantation procedure. Hence it is widely used as a life saving therapy.
- The Subcutaneous ICD Implantation has cosmetic advantages in spite of larger size because of anatomic location in the lateral axilla.
- No myocardial damage is involved even if there is high shock intensity.
- This device is well accepted by patients. No serious discomfort is seen in patients.
