Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators

Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators are similar to pacemakers and the surgery required to place them is much the same. These are used for treatment of episodes of rapid heartbeat and/or fibrillation; especially of the lower chambers of the heart. They prevent episodes of sudden cardiac death because of arrhythmia. They do this by either pacing or shocking the heart internally.

Bi-Ventricular Pacing is used either in combination with pacing or implantable cardiac defibrillator therapy. This involves placing a third wire on the left side of the heart at the time of pacemaker or defibrillator implantation. This is added if a significant degree of congestive heart failure and low left ventricular function is present.