ICD

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a device surgically implanted to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias. Inserting an ICD involves placing transvenous leads, typically into the right ventricle and sometimes the atrium, through the subclavian vein, with the pulse generator housed subcutaneously or submuscularly, usually in the pectoral region. The ICD continuously monitors the cardiac rhythm and delivers therapies such as anti-tachycardia pacing or defibrillation shocks to terminate ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.

In select cases, subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs) offer a non-transvenous alternative, avoiding intravascular lead placement, and may be indicated for patients with venous access issues or specific contraindications to traditional ICDs.