What is an ICD and how will it help my arrhythmia?
An implantable defibrillator (ICD) is a small self-contained metal box containing a battery, circuits and connections for wires, which are passed down through veins under the collarbone under local anaesthetic, guided by X-rays. The implantation of an ICD under the skin near the collarbone leaves a scar about three inches long and takes about 2 hours. In most cases sedation is given to increase comfort, and may allow patients to have no memory of the implant, but general anaesthetic is not needed. Often patients can go home the same day, and after a week or two, when the wound has Often patients can go home the same day, and after a week or two, when the wound has settled, a near-normal life can resume. There are sensible restrictions on activity, which might damage the pacemaker box, such as the recoil from a shotgun and competitive swimming which strains the wires. Airport security should be alerted as you approach the routine checks. There are restrictions on driving which are avail
