Defibrillator for cardiac insufficiency
The defibrillator continuously monitors the heart rhythm and recognizes a rapid and life-threatening heart rhythm. In this case, it can restore the normal heart rhythm by overstimulation or by delivering a shock.
Similar to a pacemaker, the defibrillator consists of two components: Firstly, an electrode that is anchored in the right ventricle via the vein. The second is a device with a battery, which is implanted under the skin.
Standard ICD therapy
In standard ICD therapy, an electrode is implanted directly into the heart. It is part of a defibrillator that can normalize the rhythm if the heartbeat is too fast.
The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) has been available as an alternative for almost 10 years. With this form of therapy, the heart and blood vessels remain untouched: an electrode is not implanted directly into the heart, but above the sternum directly under the skin ("subcutaneous").
This significantly reduces the risk of lead complications and possible lead removal. However, the risk of so-called "inadequate shock delivery" ("false shocks") is slightly higher than with standard ICDs with an electrode in the heart.
Your contacts for the implantation of a defibrillator
Jan Steffel
Cardiology | Rhythmology