Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are specialised devices which sense shockable rhythms (ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia) and immediately and automatically defibrillate the patient. They are used both for primary and for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, in patients who are at high risk for it. ICD is indicated for:

• Primary prevention – for patients with symptomatic HF, EF < 35% and a relatively good prognosis (expected to survive for at least 1 year with good functional status)
• Secondary prevention – Patients who have already had VT or VF due to a non-reversible cause