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Implantable
Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD)
This device functions
as a pacemaker. It also has the additional
capability to treat fast heart rates or
lethal rhythms by overdrive pacing and or
an internal shock. Bi-Ventricular options
are available when prescribed by your physician.
This is done primarily in Congestive Heart
Failure patients. Set up for an ICD is the
same as a pacemaker.
What’s Next:
Before:
- Your
physician’s office will call to schedule
your procedure.
- You
will be asked not to eat or drink anything
after midnight the night before the procedure.
Follow your physician’s instructions
regarding your medications.
- You
will need to bring an overnight bag. Plan
to stay overnight following your procedure.
You may bring pajamas, a change of clothes
and toiletries.
- You
may not be allowed to drive following
your procedure, so transportation home
from the hospital should be arranged prior
to discharge.
- Routine
labwork, EKG’s and X-rays may be
ordered before your procedure.
- Bring
a list of your medications. You may need
to bring your medications with you to
the hospital.
During:
- Upon
arrival to the cardiac catheterization
or electrophysiology lab you will be transferred
to the procedural table.
- You
will be connected to a heart monitor.
- The
right or left shoulder region will be
scrubbed with an antiseptic solution such
as betadine.
- Medications
necessary for your procedure will be administered
through your IV.
- Your
physician will numb the access site with
a local anesthetic.
- The
internal cardiac defibrillator (IDC) has
two components a generator and one or
more wires (leads) that your physician
will insert.
- Your
physician will then test your device.
After:
- You
will be on bedrest for 24 hours.
- Your
arm close to the ICD site will be placed
in a sling to prevent you from lifting
it.
- You
will be monitored closely.
- Your
physician will instruct you on any restrictions
regarding physical activity at discharge.
- If
you notice any of the following symptoms,
please notify your physician:
- Any drainage from your incision site.
- Increased swelling, redness or tenderness
at the incision site.
- Fever of 100 degrees or greater.
- You receive a shock from the ICD.
- Keep
the incision clean and dry for one week
after the procedure.
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