UAB HEART AND VASCULAR CLINIC OF CENTRAL ALABAMA GUIDELINES PATIENTS WITH IMPLANTABLE DEVICES

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Your ICD is approximately the size of a pager and includes the following parts:

The ICD: A battery powered device that is used to create an electrical shock to the heart when needed. The device is inserted under the skin (or muscle) below the collarbone.

The Leads: Wires that are able to monitor the electrical impulses and send the electrical activity to the ICD as well as send electrical charges to the heart muscle when needed. The ICD leads are passed through the subclavian vein into the heart.

Guidelines For Patients With Implantable Devices