What is the procedure for implanting a defibrillator?

During the procedure, a local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) is injected to numb the area. Small incisions are made in the chest where the lead(s) and device are inserted. The lead is inserted through the incision and into a vein, then guided to the heart with the aid of the fluoroscopy machine.

What is a pacemaker and how is it different from an implantable defibrillator?

A pacemaker uses steady, low-energy electric shocks to help the heart maintain a normal beat or rhythm. Meanwhile, a defibrillator uses a low- or high-energy electric shock to help prevent or stop a potentially dangerous arrhythmia.

What are the different approaches for pacemaker lead implantation?

Approach Considerations Permanent pacemaker insertion is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Transvenous access to the heart chambers under local anesthesia is the favored technique, most commonly via the subclavian vein, the cephalic vein, or (rarely) the internal jugular vein or the femoral vein.

How painful is a defibrillator?

Do these shocks hurt? Answer: A defibrillator shock, if you’re wide awake, will indeed hurt. The description is that it’s like being kicked by a mule in the chest. It’s a sudden jolt.

Is getting a defibrillator a major surgery?

An ICD is a type of cardiac therapy device. There are two basic types: A traditional ICD is implanted in the chest, and the wires (leads) attach to the heart. The implant procedure requires invasive surgery.

How serious is getting a defibrillator?

There is a risk of bleeding and bruising, damage to the artery, nerves, and veins requiring surgery or transfusions, blood clots and swelling and infection. There is also a risk of pneumothorax, a condition in which air becomes trapped in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse.

How many types of pacemakers are there?

There are three basic kinds of pacemakers: Single chamber. One lead attaches to the upper or lower heart chamber. Dual-chamber.

What is permanent pacemaker implantation?

A pacemaker insertion is the implantation of a small electronic device that is usually placed in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate slow electrical problems with the heart. A pacemaker may be recommended toensure that the heartbeat does not slow to a dangerously low rate.