Implantable Defibrillator (ICD)
Purpose of the procedure
An ICD is a small device that is placed under the skin beneath the collarbone. Through wires, the ICD continuously monitors the rhythm and rate of the heart. If the heart beats dangerously fast, the ICD sends an electrical impulse to the heart to jolt it out of the fast rhythm and restore the heart’s normal rhythm and rate.
Description of the procedure
You will receive medications during the procedure to keep you in a light sleep. During the procedure, thin tubes (leads) are inserted through a large vein near your collarbone, and passed through the vein and in to the heart. The leads are connected to a pulse generator which is implanted in a pouch beneath the skin in the chest. The pulse generator is about the size of a palm. It continuously monitors the heart rhythm and rate and treats life-threatening rhythms by automatically delivering a shock which restores the normal rhythm or the heart.
How long will the procedure take?
The procedure will take around 2 hours. With the preparation and recovery time, you will be in the hospital for approximately 6 hours.
Preparing for the procedure
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure
- Unless you have been given specific instructions take all of your usual medicines with a small sip of water the morning of the procedure
- Bring a list of all your medicines with you
- Do not apply lotions or ointments to your chest or back as this may interfere with the adhesiveness of the heart monitor pads.
- Make arrangements for someone to drive you home following the procedure
After the procedure
- You will remain in the recovery area for approximately 2 hours after the procedure and then you will be discharged.
- You will have a small dressing over the incision site.
- When the nurse determines that it is safe, you will be given fluids and food
- You must have some one with you when you are discharged
- You cannot drive yourself home
- For the next 24 hours, you should not operate heavy machinery, or make any important decisions.
- Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when you can drive
Where do I go for the procedure?
5CD – 5th Floor, Providence II Building
Phone Number: 604-806-8400