Implantable Defibrillator

Implantable Defibrillator

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device that is implanted in the chest to constantly monitor and correct abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). The devices were developed originally to correct heart rhythms that are too fast, but recent technological advances have increased the pool of possible patients who may benefit from an ICD.

Medical illustration showing a pacemaker implanted in a person’s chest, with wires running to the heart to help control heartbeat. The skin is transparent to reveal the heart and medical device placement.