page_title: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
section_title: Living with an ICD
hierarchical_section_title: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator / Living with an ICD
caption_attribution_description: Čeština: RTG snímek zavedeného ICD English: A normal chest X-ray after placement of an ICD, showing the ICD generator in the upper left chest and the ICD lead in the right ventricle of the heart. Note the 2 opaque coils along the ICD lead.
context_page_description: An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a device implantable inside the body, able to perform cardioversion, defibrillation, and pacing of the heart. The device is therefore capable of correcting most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The ICD is the first-line treatment and prophylactic therapy for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Current devices can be programmed to detect abnormal heart rhythms and deliver therapy via programmable antitachycardia pacing in addition to low-energy and high-energy shocks.
  "AICD" was trademarked by the Boston Scientific corporation, so the more generic "ICD" is preferred terminology.
  Current device batteries last about 6–10 years, With advances in the technology it may be possible to increase this well past 10 years. The lead has a much longer average longevity but can incur various types of malfunction, specifically insulation failure or fracture of the conductor and require replacement.
  The process of implantation of an ICD system is similar to implantation of a pacemaker.
context_section_description: People who have an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator can live full lives. Usually the ICD may not improve the quality of life of the patient, although it may provide a strong degree of reassurance. As with a pacemaker, however, living with an ICD does impose some restrictions on the person's lifestyle, outlined below.
caption: A normal chest X-ray after placement of an ICD, showing the ICD generator in the upper left chest and the ICD lead in the right ventricle of the heart. Note the 2 opaque coils along the ICD lead.
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