What does an implantable cardioverter device (ICD) do?

Ventricular tachycardia (often referred to as VT) and ventricular fibrillation (or VF) are two life threatening heart rhythms that cause the heart to beat abnormally. As a result, the heart pumps out less blood than normal with each beat. An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator is a device used to detect and correct VT and VF and return the heart to a normal rhythm.

The ICD either delivers a small shock or paces the heart through what is called antitachycardia pacing. There are different ICD models, some only deliver a shock to stop the VT or VF, while other ICD devices can both antitachy-pace and deliver a shock to convert the abnormal rhythm. Some ICDs have a third mode so that it can also be set to treat slow irregular heart rhythms, like a pacemaker.

Who should be treated with an ICD device?

ICD devices are suggested to people who have ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and can not be treated appropriately with medications. They may also be appropriate for people whose VT or VF can not be duplicated in an Electrophysiology study and who have also experienced a sudden death episode.

To find a doctor, call 1-800-211-8181 or click here .

U-M Health System Related Sites:
The Cardiovascular Center

Other Related Web Sites:
American Heart Association - Tests to Diagnose Heart Disease
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - Heart and Vascular Diseases