About this topic
An automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has a pacemaker and a defibrillator. It may also be called an ICD. The pacemaker can speed up the heartbeat if it gets too slow or can keep the heartbeat at the right pace. A defibrillator is a device that watches your heart beat and treats problems with the heartbeat. The defibrillator corrects any fast, dangerous heartbeats by giving a small amount of electricity to the heart. ‚
This procedure is done in people with: ‚
- Very slow heartbeats. This is bradycardia.
- Very fast heartbeats. This is tachycardia.
- People who have had dangerous, fast heartbeats before and may have them again.
- People who are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest most often causes death if not treated within minutes.
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need other tests.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You will be given a card to carry that tells about your device. Always keep it with you.
- Tell other doctors that you have an ICD if you need a procedure such as MRI or surgery.
- Do not carry cell phones and gadgets that use radio waves on the side where your ICD is placed.
- Be sure you know what to do if your device sends a shock. It is important to know how to handle an emergency, especially if you are traveling.
- Tell airport staff that you have an ICD before you go through the security process. Show them your medical device ID card.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity for a while. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Talk to the doctor about driving. Driving may be limited after an ICD shock.
- Avoid tiring activities or sport for few weeks after the procedure.
- Do not play sports that involve rough contact to your chest or belly.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Failure of the device to work the right way
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- You feel a shock
- Very bad pain or bleeding at the cut site
Seek emergency help right away if: ‚
- You have chest pain or trouble breathing
- You feel dizzy
- You feel three or more shocks in a row
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what situations and activities I should avoid.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain, trouble breathing, or feel three or more shocks in a row.
Where can I learn more?
Heart Rhythm Society ‚
http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Treatment/Implantable-Cardioverter-Defibrillator#axzz2WDG1QrxV ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/icd ‚
Up To Date ‚
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators-beyond-the-basics ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚