Home > Encyclopedia of Medicine > Implantable Cardioverterdefibrillator

Definition

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is an electronic device to treat life-threatening heartbeat irregularities. It is surgically implanted.

Purpose

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is used to detect and stop serious ventricular arrhythmias and restore a normal heartbeat in people who are at high risk of sudden death. The American Heart Association recommends that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators be considered only for patients who have a life-threatening arrhythmia. A recent study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute demonstrated that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are the treatment of choice instead of drug therapy for patients who have had a cardiac arrest or heart attack; and are at risk for developing