An ICD is advised for those people who experience or suffer from the following conditions: Possibly-fatal abnormal heart rhythm (or risk of it) Genetic disorders affect the heart (Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, cardiomyopathy, etc.) Cardiac arrest Previous heart failure Congenital heart disease

What is the Life Expectancy After ICD Implant?

Life Expectancy After ICD Implant – Overview

An implantable cardioverter – defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic medical device. It monitors the heart rate, and when it detects an abnormal rhythm, it works to restore the heartbeat to normal levels. This device is often a life-saving solution for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.

ICD reduces the death rate among patients suffering from multiple health issues, such as heart failure, cardiac arrest, specific structural heart disease, and reduced ejection fraction (heart pumps lower blood out).

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Life Expectancy After ICD Implant – How Does an ICD Work?

Who Needs an ICD?

An ICD is advised for those people who experience or suffer from the following conditions:

Possibly-fatal abnormal heart rhythm (or risk of it)
Genetic disorders affect the heart (Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, cardiomyopathy, etc.)
Cardiac arrest
Previous heart failure
Congenital heart disease

How is an ICD Implanted?

An ICD is made of two distinct parts, namely:

Battery-powered pulse generator, about the size of a matchbox, which is inserted under the skin of the chest or abdomen
Electrode leads, which connect to your heart through veins

How Does an ICD Work?

An ICD is designed to detect and correct abnormal rhythms in the heart. It works round-the-clock and makes sure to:

Help control the heart rhythm and sends small signals to the heart
Sends one or multiple electric shocks (defibrillation) to correct an abnormal heart rhythm
Offer sophisticated functions and better control over heartbeats

What to Expect Before the Procedure?

You may be asked to avoid consuming food or drink for eight hours before the surgery. The doctors can prescribe any medication if required.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

Healthcare experts will insert an IV in your hand or forearm at the beginning. They may give you some sedatives for you to relax. During the ICD procedure, the experts will provide you with general anesthesia.

What to Expect After the Procedure?

You can take a release on the next day of your procedure. You will need someone to care for you to speed up your recovery. You need to take the prescribed medicines and follow all the instructions given by your doctor.

What is the Life Expectancy After an ICD Implant?

An ICD is implanted for a lifetime. Hence, it is essential to undergo regular checkups and monitoring at least once every three months. This way, you can ensure that your ICD is functioning correctly. This allows you to lead a normal lifestyle daily.

However, it would help if you remembered that certain situations could affect the function of an ICD. For example, airport security machines, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines, and machines with strong magnetic fields can disrupt the functions of an ICD.

You can lead a completely everyday and healthy life for over ten years with the proper care of your ICD device.

4 Things You Must Avoid for a Few Weeks After the Procedure

#1. Exercise or above-the-shoulder activities

#2. Outdoor activities or outdoor games like cycling, swimming, golf, tennis, etc.

#3. Vacuuming

#4. Heavy lifting

Are There Any Side Effects or Complications From an ICD?

As an ICD is an implantable device, there are bound to be some risks of complications and side effects, which include:

Blood clots in the veins or arteries
Abnormal connection between vein and artery (Arteriovenous fistula)
Collapsed lung, injury to the lung, bleeding in lung cavities
Infection
Forming holes in blood vessels
Bleeding from ICD placement
High defibrillation shock
Inability to defibrillate
Implant rejection
Surgical complications, such as bleeding, inflammation, blood clots, and infection
Incorrect sensing of heart rhythm, leading to shocks or failure in treatment, respectively
Obstruction of significant vein of the heart
Death

Long-Term Precautions to Avoid Any Harm

Avoid placing a cell phone within 15 centimeters of an ICD site, especially when it is turned on. It can slow down your heartbeat and cause fatigue.

Specific medical procedures like MRA or MRI are not recommended if you have an ICD.

Keep a minimum 2 feet distance from any welding equipment, motor generator systems, or high voltage transformers.

Headphones or wireless charges contain magnetic substances. That can be harmful to someone with an ICD. Keep these gadgets at least 15 centimeters away from an ICD site.

Conclusion

In short, an ICD is an implantable device that checks the heartbeat. If an abnormal heartbeat is detected, it sends a small electric shock to correct the heartbeat to a regular pulse.

This is one of the most advanced pieces of medically implanted devices and works wonderfully to prevent heart failure and cardiac arrest. Make sure to consult your physician and get all doubts and queries resolved before undergoing the surgical implant procedure for an ICD device.

References

https://www.aedusa.com/knowledge/how-long-can-you-live-with-a-defibrillator/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/clc.22729

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/

Shubham Grover

I am a dedicated healthcare researcher and an enthusiast specializing in medical grants, medical education and research. Through my articles, I aim to empower healthcare professionals and researchers with valuable insights and resources to navigate these critical aspects effectively.

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