Heart devices
ICD (cardioverter-defibrillator) implantation
A device that stops life-threatening ventricular rhythms: assessing who needs it, implantation and follow-up.
An ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) monitors the heart rhythm all the time and stops life-threatening ventricular rhythms (ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation) with rapid pacing or an electric shock.
An ICD implanted through a vein also works as a pacemaker.
How an ICD is built
It constantly monitors the rhythm and stops a dangerous ventricular rhythm with rapid pacing or a shock.
- HousingA small metal part that holds the battery and the electronic circuit.
- Ventricular lead
- The part that delivers the shock
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Types of ICD
Single-chamber
one lead.
Dual-chamber
two leads.
CRT-D
three leads, together with resynchronization in heart failure.
Subcutaneous S-ICD
the lead lies under the skin; it only delivers shocks and does not pace, and the incision is larger.
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Who may need it
- A person who has had a life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia or cardiac arrest (secondary prevention).
- A person who has not had this but is at high risk because of heart disease or an inherited cause (primary prevention). For example, according to the 2022 ESC guidelines, it is recommended in ischemic heart disease, NYHA II–III heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35 % or lower, after at least 3 months of optimal treatment.
The decision is made together with the doctor, after discussing the benefits and risks.
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Implantation and after
The procedure may take an hour or longer and is done under local anesthesia with a sedative, sometimes under general anesthesia. The first check is usually at 2–12 weeks, then regularly.
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What to do after a shock
If you feel well after a single shock, check that you have not been injured, rest for a few hours and inform your doctor or the center where the device was implanted that day or the next. If there is more than one shock within 24 hours, contact your doctor or the center very quickly.
The exact procedure, price and preparation are agreed with the doctor or administrator at the appointment.
Emergency help (103): if there are several strong shocks within a short time, chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting after a shock, or a head injury while taking a blood thinner, do not wait, call 103.
Other services in this area
All servicesPacemaker and ICD: consultation and check-up
Is a device needed, which type is suitable, is the implanted one working correctly: an arrhythmologist’s advice and a device check.
Learn morePacemaker implantation
Single- and dual-chamber pacemakers used when the heart beats too slowly: assessing the indication, implantation and follow-up.
Learn moreCRT-D (resynchronization therapy) implantation
A device that makes the ventricles work in step in heart failure and protects against dangerous rhythms.
Learn more
Book this service
ICD (cardioverter-defibrillator) implantation
+998 97 490 86 75Specialist
Sherzod Nasirovich Sabirov