This device offers an effective protection against these dangerous heart rhythm irregularities, with very fast frequencies. The device avoids or stops, in time, fast ventricular arrhythmias and restores the normal heart rhythm. The possibility of implanting a defibrillator has saved the lives of thousands of people in the last few years.
The heart rhythm can either be too fast or too slow; the latter is called bradycardia. In this case, the heart has a frequency of less than 60 heartbeats per minute. In general, for healthy people, these frequencies do not have negative consequences (e.g. during sleep or in athletes, the cardiac frequency can go below 60 without any related issues). However, there are certain heart conditions that determine a very low heart rhythm that can have severe consequences on the patient. These conditions include the sick sinus syndrome and absolute bradycardia.
The electrical impulse generator is introduced under the skin (subcutaneously) in the area of the chest muscles. Usually, local anaesthesia is enough for this procedure. However, in some cases, general anaesthesia may be required.
The cardiac defibrillator is connected to the heart through electrodes. During the surgery, they are introduced through a vein inside the heart. The defibrillator is then tested and adjusted depending on the characteristics of each patient. Most of the patients can leave the hospital after two or three days.
The battery of an implantable defibrillator operates between 5 and 10 years. This depends on the type and on the frequency of electrical impulses generated by the device. The defibrillator has been designed to record and notify the user when the battery needs changing, with enough time in advance.
Taking into account the fact that the battery is an essential part of the defibrillator, during the procedure of changing it, the entire device will be replaced. In this case, the cardiologist makes an incision over the old scar and removes the old defibrillator. The electrodes are placed as well as possible and then they are checked. Next, the new device is connected, tested and inserted in the already existing pocket. The electrodes are replaced only under exceptional situations.
