How Does an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Work?
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has wires with electrodes on the ends that connect to one or more of your heart’s chambers. These wires carry the electrical signals from your heart to a computer in the ICD. The computer monitors your heart rhythm. If the ICD detects an irregular rhythm, it sends low-energy electrical pulses to prompt your heart to beat at a normal rate. If the low-energy pulses restore your heart s normal rhythm, you may avoid the high-energy pulses or shocks of the defibrillator (which can be painful). Single-chamber ICDs have a wire that connects to either the right atrium or right ventricle. The wire senses electrical activity and corrects faulty electrical signaling within that chamber. Dual-chamber ICDs have wires that connect to both an atrium and a ventricle. These ICDs provide low-energy pulses to either or both chambers. Some dual-chamber ICDs have three wires. They connect to an atrium and both ventricles. The wires on an ICD connect to a smal
