Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (cont.)

What does the future hold for ICDs?

Implantable defibrillator technology continues to improve. The size of ICDs has decreased dramatically which makes the ICD easier to implant, less visible, and more comfortable. Trials are ongoing to convert atrial tachycardias as well as the ventricular tachycardias with the use of an ICD. Other advances include not only technology improvements, but clinical trials that may expand the indications and uses for this exciting lifesaving device.

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators At A Glance

• Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) can prevent death from cardiac arrest.
• Cardiac arrest due to life-threatening fast heart rhythms is the most common cause of death in the United States.
• ICDs are implanted in the chest in a manner similar to that of pacemakers.
• ICDs deliver electrical pulses or shocks to the heart to convert a life-threatening fast rhythm to a normal rhythm.
• Certain electrical equipment with strong magnetic fields can interfere with ICDs, but most household appliances in good order are safe.

Last Editorial Review: 4/23/2002

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/implantable_cardiac_defibrillator/article.htm