An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) is a device that is implanted in the chest to monitor for and, if necessary, correct episodes of rapid heartbeat. If the heartbeat gets too fast (ventricular tachycardia), the AICD will stimulate the heart to restore a normal rhythm (anti-tachycardia pacing). In cases where the heartbeat is so rapid that the person may die (ventricular fibrillation), the AICD will also give an electric shock (defibrillation) to “reset” the heartbeat.
An AICD is similar in many respects to an artifical pacemaker, which is another type of device that corrects an abnormal heart rhythm. However, pacemakers are usually chosen to correct a heart rhythm that is too slow (bradycardia), whereas AICDs are used to correct a heart rhythm that is too fast (tachycardia). And there are patients who need both bradycardia pacing and anti-tachycardia pacing. In these patients, an AICD will be used to pace the heart.
The AICD is implanted into the chest of the patient during a minor surgical procedure (not open-heart surgery). A short stay in the hospital is usually required and some patients may need to take medications that help the heart maintain a normal rhythm (antiarrhythmics). Once the AICD is in place, it runs on batteries for about four to seven years, depending on how often an electric shock is discharged. AICD batteries will not run out unexpectedly. Physicians can detect when the battery is running low during a routine office visit.
People with AICDs need to be careful in certain situations. More information on the lifestyle considerations of living with an AICD can be found by clicking on the following link: Living with an Implantable Defibrillator.
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