AICD

AICD is a small electronic device implantable inside the chest, which helps to monitor and correct an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
These devices are mainly used to treat serious and life-threatening arrhythmia.

AICD - Overview

AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardioverter- Defibrillator), is a small electronic device implantable inside the chest, which helps to monitor and correct an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
These devices are mainly used to treat serious and life-threatening arrhythmia.
There are two ways to treat Arrhythmia by Defibrillator:
CARDIOVERSION: In this procedure, the device tries to stop the abnormal rhythm, with a burst of high-speed pacing, known as cardioversion.
DEFIBRILLATION: This procedure is chosen after the failure of cardioversion. In this procedure, the device delivers an electric shock to the heart to reset its rhythm.

AICD - Symptoms

Intense dizziness.
Sudden collapse with loss of consciousness.
The patient encounters cardiac arrest or abnormal heart rhythm that has caused the patient to pass-out.
Fast heart rhythm that keeps returning and could cause death.
Fast heart rhythm that cannot be cured by any other surgery or medication.
The patient faces at least one episode of VT (ventricular tachycardia) or Vfib (ventricular fibrillation).
Severe side effects of medication.

AICD - Pre-Procedure

The patient needs to go through one ECG test and some blood investigations, before the procedure.
A minimum of 6 hours of fasting is required before the procedure.
The cardiologist will advise stopping blood thinners, herbal medications, or anti-inflammation, few days before the procedure.
Overnight stay before the procedure may be required, to examine a patient’s health.

AICD - During Procedure

The procedure will be done under mild sedation, to make the patient comfortable and drowsy.
By using local anesthesia, the area below the collar bone will be numbed and the cardiologist will make a small cut to insert the AICD device.
Then, a vein in the heart will be connected to the device.
After connecting the device, the skin will be sutured and a small dressing will be done.
The doctor will monitor the heart rhythm and blood pressure after a few hours of the procedure.

AICD - Post-Procedure

The patient needs to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days, after the procedure.
Avoid putting excessive strain on the shoulder, arm, and torso area, where the AICD will be planted.
Some bruising and discomfort in the area of AICD may persist for several weeks.
The patient should avoid strenuous activities, at least for 4 weeks.
The patient suffering from heart rhythm disturbance may need to avoid driving for 6 months after the procedure.
Avoid swimming, or playing golf for 4 weeks after the procedure.

AICD - Risk & Complications

AICD is a low-risk procedure.
Few complications may occur, like:
Hematoma (large bruise) at the AICD insertion site.
Infection
Cardiac perforation (small hole in the heart causing blood to accumulate around the heart).