|
|
||||
 | ||||
|
|
Implantable cardioverter defibrillatorA defribillator corrects serious arrythmia or heart rhythm disorders related to the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart), which can otherwise lead to sudden death. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is about the size of a pager and is surgically placed in the chest where it monitors the heart rhythm. Wires (leads) run from the defibrillator to the right side of the heart. When it identifies a serious disturbance in the rhythm, it applies an electrical shock to disrupt the arrythmia. The defibrillator may include a "journal" that records each episode. Part of the defibrillator has to be replaced every few years. Defibrillators are implanted to convert excessively fast, dangerous rhythms into normal rhythms. The newest defibrillators have pacemakers built into them so fast heart rhythms can be controlled with pacing for many people, instead of the electric shock associated with defibrillation. Setting the defibrillator to correctly identify and treat these rhythms requires special training. Aurora physicians were among the first in the nation to implant defibrillators. [ Previous page ] |
||
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
