Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Managing malignant ventricular arrhythmias outside of a hospital setting, has long been a difficult and complex challenge (Morgan, 2002). Despite early optimism, prophylactic antiarrhythmic medications have yet to provide consistent success, making a strong electrical countershock the most reliable method to halt severe arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and unstable ventricular tachycardia. However, direct current cardioversion depends on the rapid presence of trained medical personnel and equipment, which is essentially impractical for most situations outside the hospital.

This need spurred the development of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) - a fully automated device designed to detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias autonomously, without immediate human intervention. Following over decades of research and innovations, ICD has transformed from concept into clinical applications and is now routinely used to reduce sudden cardiac arrest in high-risk patients (Eloi Marijon et al., 2022).

However, one question remains: 

WHAT POTENTIAL DOES ICD HAS TO OFFER?

After the first models of ICD, throughout the years, companies have invested heavily into the research and developments of the advanced potentials that ICD has to offer. To date, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott Laboratories and St. Jude Medical are the top 4 manufacturer of ICD amongst other giants in the medical device industry (Market, 2024).

Through the years, ICD has continuously been improving since the very first model. Due to its significance in the cardiac care field, the ICD has been intensely studied to be further modified for the betterment of human health. Its potential can be understood through the principles behind the heart electrical system.