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4.1 Detection and Prevention
4.1 Detection and Prevention
ICDs are effective in detecting and treating life-threatening arrhythmias. BUT! They do not prevent these conditions from developing.
Patients remain at risk for future cardiac events despite having the device (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, 2024)
Figure 32: Heart Arrhythmias
(DCM Foundation, 2023)
4.2 Inaccurate Delivery of Impulses
4.2 Inaccurate Delivery of Impulses
Figure 33: ICD shock wave
(Berry M Van Gelder et al.)
When ICDs receive and interpret other artefacts such as those produced by the muscles, hence higher energy impulses are delivered causing unnecessary pain to the patient.
While there are improved algorithms that executes the above-mentioned, there are still risks.
4.3 Risks in Implantation
4.3 Risks in Implantation
Risks due to surgical interventions during implantation still holds:
Endocarditis - infection of the inner heart lining
Regional infection of the Subcutaneous layer (from subcutaneous ICD implantation)
Damage to surrounding strucutres, including lungs causing pneumothorax (Risks, 2017)
Physical activities such as heavy lifting and contact sports may dislodge leads or strain the device. Hence, patients advised to avoid physical activities during post-implantation
Figure 34: pneumothorax
(Pneumothorax Vs Hemothorax Guide, n.d.)
4.4 Battery
4.4 Battery
ICDs have a finite battery life, typically lasting from eight to twelve years.
When the battery depletes, patients require another surgical procedure for replacement. This comes with additional risks similar to the risks during initial implantation. (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, 2024)
4.5 Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
4.5 Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
High-voltage equipmenet and medical imagging machine disrupts functionality of ICDs (Medtronic, n.d.)
Newer models have been designed with enhanced protection against electromagnetic interference, BUT patients are still advised to take precautions in environments with potential exposure. (Risks, 2017)
Figure 35: Electromagnetic interference with ICDs at power frequency
(Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in Cardioverter-defibrillators - Google Search, n.d.)
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