IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR

By: Victor J. Gabbidon

History

Research on the implantable defibrillator commenced in 1969, but it was not until 11 years later that the device was tested in a human patient.

More than a decade of research went into the system that allowed the device to detect the onset of an arrhythmia.

Purpose and Functionality

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small battery powered device that is implanted in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death.

It detects cardiac arrhythmia and generates an electrical impulse to correct it.

Purpose and Functionality (cont.) Traditionally used in patients with

experiencing ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, or irregularly fast or irregularly slow heartbeat.

A clinical trial revealed that ICDs in patients with congestive heart failure reduced risk of death by 23%.

Design

Electrode wires are connected to the main unit and placed within a vein that leads to the heart.

These wires are what detect the arrhythmia and transfer the electric shock.

Limitations on device

Many say the concept of the implantable defibrillator is excessive because people do not experience ventricular fibrillation frequently

Bernard Lown, the inventor of the external defibrillator, spoke out against the device claiming it was an imperfect solutions and not a practical application.

Sources

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/icd/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Implantable_cardioverter-defibrillator

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator/MY00336