Heart Failure Part II

What my patients need to know about Implantable cardiac defibrillators

  ICD

Irina Staicu, MD

Heart Failure Part II

What my patients need to know about Implantable cardiac defibrillators  ICD

Irina Staicu, MD

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator ICD

• The ICD is a battery-powered device that can fix an abnormal heart rate or rhythm and prevent sudden death, by emitting a shock which restores the normal rhythm

• The ICD is placed inside the chest. It's attached to one or two wires (called leads) that go into the heart through a vein.
• The surgical implant is similar to a Pacemaker

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator ICD

• HF with ejection fraction < 35%, is prone to developing fatal arrhythmia not otherwise predictable or preventable.
• Everybody with Ejection Fraction < 35% should receive a ICD
•  

Before Implant

My office will advice you

• Hold blood thinners:

2 days for Eliquis, Xarelto or Pradaxa; Coumadin as per my office protocol, depending on your other cardiac conditions

• Hold metformin for 2 days

• The hospital will call you the night before regarding time of surgery