ICD

An ICD (Internal Cardioversion Device)

An ICD is usually implanted subcutaneously

The information stored in the ICD's memory can be read out using a coil that is put on the patients clothing near the ICD. Stored information includes battery life remaining and ICD shocks

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ): this device can detect and treat Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation. Usually the first treatment is anti-tachy pacing (pacing at a rate +- 10% above the ventricular rate in ventricular tachycardia, which can convert the rhythm to sinus rhythm). If this is not effective an defibrillator shock is delivered, usually with 16-36 Joules of energy. ICDs can save lives in patients who have a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias. All ICDs have optional pacemaker activity to treat bradycardias. New biventricular ICDs have 3 leads: an atrial lead, a left ventricular lead and a right ventricular lead.^[1][2]

A short history of ICD therapy

• 1849 First graphical registration of VF^[3]
• 1899 First documented defibrillation of a dog with ventricular fibrillation (VF) in dogs.^[4]
• 1947 The thoracic surgeon Claude Beck saved the first human life by the successful use of cardiac defibrillation in a 14-year-old boy who developed VF during a thoracic surgical procedure and went on to achieve a full recovery.^[5]
• 1973 Concept of implantable ICD^[6]
• 1980 First human implantation of an ICD^[7]

References