Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)

ICDs are used to prevent sudden death in patients with known, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. The device is implanted under the skin of the chest and is powered by a battery-powered pulse generator. Wires run from the pulse generator to the surface of the heart. This allows the device to shock the heart back into normal rhythm when it detects a fibrillation of tachycardia. The device also has the capacity to store detected arythmatic events and perform electrophysiological testing and analysis. The ICD improves the living conditions of patients significantly and they can live long and happy lives. Almost all forms of physical activities can be performed by patients with an ICD. All forms of sports that do not pose a risk of damaging the ICD can be enjoyed by the patient. Special care should be placed not to put excessive strain on the shoulder, arm and torso area where the ICD is implanted. Doing so may damage the ICD or the leads going from the unit to the patient's heart.



http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=558