A single-chamber defibrillator surgery, also known as an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) implantation, is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. These abnormal heart rhythms can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, and an ICD is designed to detect and correct them.
During the surgery
At CMC Hospital Dubai we perform the procedure in a cardiac catheterization lab or operating room, the patient may receive local or general anesthesia depending on the case.
Our cardiologist makes a small incision, typically below the collarbone, and inserts one or more thin, insulated leads into a nearby vein. These leads are then guided into the heart’s right ventricle, where they can monitor the heart’s electrical activity and deliver electrical shocks if dangerous arrhythmias are detected.
The leads are connected to the ICD device, which is implanted under the skin in a pocket created in the chest. The ICD continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm and can deliver life-saving shocks to restore a normal rhythm if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs.
After the Surgery
After the ICD surgery is complete, the incision is closed, and the patient is monitored briefly before being discharged. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to check the ICD’s function, adjust its settings if necessary, and ensure the patient’s heart is protected effectively from life-threatening arrhythmias.
ICD implantation has proven to be a highly effective intervention in preventing sudden cardiac death and has significantly improved the prognosis and quality of life for many individuals at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia.
