NHLBI Educational Materials Catalog: Facts About Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Facts About Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Written for patients and caregivers, this fact sheet provide all you need to know about the device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). This is a small device that’s placed in your chest or abdomen. This device uses electrical pulses or shocks to help control life-threatening, irregular heartbeats, especially those that could lead the heart to suddenly stop beating (sudden cardiac arrest). Describes the devide, what types of patients should use it, insertion, and more. Contains links to other online resources.