AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) is a small electronic device implanted into the chest for monitoring and correcting abnormal heart rhythm or arrhythmia.
This process of implantation has to be done in a proper Cath Lab with apt instruments and technology for the procedure. This process will take about an hour and the patient will be on light sedation to help relax and feel comfortable.
Local anesthesia would help the surgeon in making a cut for inserting the AICD. This device is then guided through the vein in the heart and be implanted at the proper place. Once the process of an implant is done your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored as per the guidance of the consultant.
The patient needs to rest for at least a couple of hours. The patient may be required to stay back in the hospital for a couple of days for monitoring purposes.
On being discharged from the hospital patients will be briefed on how to look after themselves once they reach home and the precautions to be taken. Due to the life-saving nature of the device, the proper functioning and efficacy of the device may need to be checked regularly and would require multiple follow-up sessions with your consultant.
Its function benefits your heart in two ways
The device also stores a lot of information about the heart for the surgeon or the person monitoring your heart to take a stock of the situation in your heart. The electric activities of the heart are saved for the cardiologist to get an idea of the heart’s activities. It can be calibrated by the cardiologist to produce the best desired results.