OUR PROCEDURES -
Automatic Internal Cardioverter/Defibrillator Implant

Who May Benefit From (AICD)?

A series of landmark studies confirmed that AICDs significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmias. In fact, some of the studies were ended earlier than scheduled due to the superior benefit shown by the AICD in comparison to drugs used alone.

Based on the results of these studies, an AICD may be recommended for patients who have experienced any of the following:

• Previous heart attacks, with weakened functioning of the left ventricle. The performance of the left ventricle is expressed numerically as the left ventricular ejection fraction. It represents the proportion of blood in the heart that is pumped out with each beat. A normal range is between 55 and 75 percent. An ejection fraction below 40 percent has been shown to increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. In heart attack survivors with reduced ejection fractions, it has been found that an AICD plus antiarrhythmic drugs significantly lowers the risk of sudden cardiac death, as compared to antiarrhythmics used alone.
• History of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). For these patients, AICDs have clearly improved survival compared to antiarrhythmic drugs.
• Coronary artery disease. Patients with coronary artery disease may have an underlying arrhythmia. Studies have shown that, in patients with coronary artery disease who received an AICD, cholesterol reducing drugs may have an anti-arrhythmic effect that can reduce the recurrence of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
• Cardiac arrest.
  

Not every patient needs an AICD. AICDs are generally not necessary when an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia):

• Is an isolated occurrence with no underlying disease
• Is caused by an electrolyte imbalance or drug overdose
• Occurred within the first 48 hours after a heart attack
• For patients having an abnormally slow heartbeat (bradycardia), the preferred treatment is an artificial pacemaker.