External Defibrillator
An external defibrillator is a medical device worn temporarily for the treatment of certain cardiac problems. It is prescribed by your medical provider for a limited amount of time until a determination can be made on whether a permanent defibrillator is needed.
External defibrillators come in two forms: automatic and semi-automatic. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to detect an abnormal heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary. Semi-automatic external defibrillators require the user to initiate the shock manually after analyzing the heart rhythm.
In some cases, an external defibrillator may be prescribed by a medical provider for temporary use until a determination can be made on whether a permanent defibrillator is needed. This can occur when a patient is experiencing certain cardiac problems that require monitoring and treatment but may not necessarily require a permanent implantable device.
While external defibrillators can be life-saving, they should only be used by trained medical personnel or individuals who have been trained in their use. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the medical provider and the device manufacturer to ensure safe and effective use.
Loop Recorders
A loop recorder is a small device implanted under the skin that is used to monitor irregular heart rhythms. It will help your medical provider determine if you have an irregular heart rhythm.
A loop recorder is typically recommended for patients who experience infrequent or intermittent symptoms that may be related to an irregular heart rhythm, such as palpitations or fainting spells. The device continuously records and stores data about your heart’s electrical activity, allowing your medical provider to analyze the data and identify any abnormal heart rhythms.
The loop recorder is a small, thin device that is about the size of a USB stick. It is implanted just beneath the skin of your chest, typically on the left side. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and takes only a few minutes.
Once the loop recorder is implanted, it continuously records your heart’s electrical activity for up to several years. You may be asked to activate the recorder when you experience symptoms so that the device can capture any irregular heart rhythms that occur during that time.
The data collected by the loop recorder is transmitted wirelessly to your medical provider, who can review it to determine if you have an irregular heart rhythm. If an irregular rhythm is detected, your medical provider may recommend further testing or treatment, such as medication or a permanent pacemaker.
Pacemakers
A pacemaker is a permanent medical device implanted under the skin. It is used to treat irregular heart rhythms when the heart is beating irregularly, or too slowly.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle to help it beat regularly and at the right pace. It consists of two parts: the generator, which houses the battery and electronics, and the leads, which are thin wires that are threaded through a vein into the heart. The generator is typically implanted under the skin, usually in the upper chest, and the leads are inserted into the heart through a vein in the upper chest or neck.
Pacemakers are programmed to detect when the heart is beating too slowly or irregularly and to send electrical impulses to the heart muscle to help it beat at a regular pace. They can also be programmed to adjust the heart rate in response to physical activity, such as exercise. Pacemakers are used to treat a variety of heart conditions, including bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), and heart block (a condition where the electrical signals that control the heartbeat are disrupted).
Most people with a pacemaker are able to return to their normal activities within a few days of the procedure. However, they will need to avoid certain activities that can interfere with the function of the pacemaker, such as strong electromagnetic fields, which can disrupt the electrical signals. They will also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their medical provider to monitor the function of the pacemaker and make any necessary adjustments.
Permanent Defibrillator
A defibrillator or ICD is a device implanted under the skin used to treat heart rhythms that can be life-threatening.
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a type of defibrillator that is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest or abdomen. It continuously monitors the heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to the heart if it detects a dangerous, abnormal heart rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
ICDs are often recommended for people who have experienced or are at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. The device can be programmed to deliver different types of electrical shocks depending on the type of heart rhythm problem detected. In addition to delivering shocks, some ICDs can also function as pacemakers to help regulate the heart rate.
ICD implantation is a minimally invasive procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to take some precautions, such as avoiding certain types of electromagnetic interference, but otherwise can resume their normal activities. Regular follow-up visits with a medical provider are important to ensure the ICD is working properly and to make any necessary adjustments to the device’s settings.