What is the criteria for an ICD?

You might need an ICD if you have a dangerously fast heartbeat that keeps your heart from supplying enough blood to the rest of your body (such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) or if you are at high risk of such a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmia), usually because of a weak heart muscle.

What conditions are indications for placement of an ICD?

Indications for ICD placement

• Structural heart disease, sustained VT.
• Syncope of undetermined origin, inducible VT or VF at electrophysiologic study (EPS)
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% due to prior MI, at least 40 days post-MI, NYHA class II or III.
• LVEF ≤35%, NYHA class II or III.

What is a VVI ICD?

DDDR = dual chamber rate adaptive pacemaker; EPS = electrophysiology study; ICD = implantable cardiovertor defibrillator; LVEF = left ventricular ejection fraction; VF = ventricular fibrillation; VT = ventricular tachycardia; VVI = single chamber ventricular pacemaker.

When should an ICD be implanted?

You may need an ICD if you have survived sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, or have fainted due to ventricular arrhythmia, or if you have certain inherited heart conditions. An ICD is generally needed for those at high risk of cardiac arrest due to a ventricular arrhythmia.

What is the life expectancy of someone with an ICD?

Living with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ICD. Pacemakers and ICDs generally last 5 to 7 years or longer, depending on usage and the type of device. In most cases, you can lead a normal life with an ICD.

What does an ICD shock feel like?

You may feel a flutter, palpitations (like your heart is skipping a beat), or nothing at all. Fibrillation may require that you receive a “shock.” Most patients say that the shock feels like a sudden jolt or thump to the chest.

What is the recovery time for a defibrillator implant?

Full recovery from the procedure normally takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will provide you with a complete set of instructions to follow once your procedure is completed.

What does DDD mean for pacemaker?

DDD = dual-chamber antibradycardia pacing; if atria fails to fire, it is paced. If the ventricle fails to fire after an atrial event (sensed or paced) the ventricle will be paced.

Is VVI a single chamber pacemaker?

There are essentially only two forms of single-chamber pacing: AAI and VVI, with optional rate modulation (AAIR and VVIR); the VVI/VVIR form of single-chamber pacing is more common.

Can you live 20 years with ICD?

What can’t you do with a defibrillator?

It’s safe to return to most regular activities with time after your ICD surgery, but there are some things you won’t be able to do immediately: Lifting – you won’t be able to lift anything with the arm on the side of the ICD greater than 5kg for at least one month after your surgery.

Can you shock a patient with an ICD?

It is possible that you will experience a shock at some point during your time with the ICD. As an ICD patient, you cannot control shocks, but you can control your reaction.