IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR (ICD) INSERTION

An ICD insertion of an electronic device just below the collarbone is used to help regulate potentially fast and life-threatening electrical problems with the heart. An ICD monitors the heart’s electrical activity using wires with electrodes on the end that are placed in specific areas of the heart.

An ICD may be inserted in survivors of sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, syncope (fainting) due to ventricular arrhythmia, or some inherited heart conditions.

It is generally inserted for those at high risk of cardiac arrest due to a ventricular arrhythmia.

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend an ICD insertion.