An implanted defibrillator, or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, is a device surgically placed into a patient's chest that senses and corrects irregular heart rhythms through automatic electrical impulses sent via a computer in the device. An implanted defibrillator is typically needed to correct life-threatening heart conditions, most usually ventricular arrhythmias or damage caused by a previous heart attack. Implanted defibrillators are fully customizable, life-saving devices that enable patients to live healthier, more productive lives despite their heart conditions.
Operation
An implanted defibrillator is composed of wires and a small box containing a computer, battery and a single- or multiple-pulse generator. The wires connect to a patient's heart chambers and carry signals from the chambers that enable the computer and pulse generator to monitor heart rhythm. With the help of a patient's cardiologist, the computer is programmed to react when particular abnormal heart rhythms based on the condition of the patient are detected. In turn, electrical pulses are automatically sent via the wires to the heart chambers to correct the abnormal rhythm.
Risks
Though implanted defibrillators typically do not technically malfunction, they may send pulses when they are not needed, which is a result of the computer not being programmed properly. Though it can be disturbing to experience, patients should not panic if their implanted defibrillators function when they are not needed. This usually means the defibrillator needs more tweaking, and patients should alert their doctor or cardiologist immediately to make sure the computer is correctly programmed. In addition, patients with implanted defibrillators sometimes suffer heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body.
Tags: heart chambers, heart conditions, heart rhythms, implanted defibrillator, implanted defibrillators, patients should