Antibiotic prophylaxis is given routinely - usually a cephalosporin, with occasional gentamycin cover also. If allergic to penicillin, a skin test for drug reaction is performed with the cephalosporin. The ICD maybe used in pt's with prior cardiac arrest or ventricular tachycardia. It is used when medications fail to control the arrhythmia or or the patient is at high risk for sudden death. Duration of the implant is 1-2 hours dependant on the difficulty of access, positioning the leads to get satisfactory parameters, and testing of the device.
Local anaesthetic is administered at the site.
It is a sterile procedure, in which the medical practitioner scrubs, gowns and gloves. The ICD is then connected to the leads and tested. It is inserted into a pre-pectoral pocket, and the wound is closed. An anaesthetist delivers a general anaesthetic before any shocks are delivered. Antibiotic prophylaxis is given routinely - usually a cephalosporin, with occasional gentamycin cover also.