ICD & CRT IMPLANTATION Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that constantly monitors your heart rhythm. When it detects a very fast, abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers energy to the heart muscle. This causes the heart to beat in a normal rhythm again. ICD can deliver immediate electrical impulses to the heart when it detects such serious rhythm problems. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) on the other hand is for symptomatic improvement and decreasing heart failure hospitalizations in patients with heart failure who are not adequately controlled by medical treatment. Getting an ICD or CRT implantation is not open-heart surgery. Before surgery, medication is usually given to make you sleepy and comfortable. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Why do I need ICD or CRT implantation? Dr. Kartik Bhosale may recommend ICD or CRT implantation if you or your child is at risk of a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia because of having: 1. Heart attack 2. Ventricular arrhythmia 3. Sudden cardiac arrest