ACID Implantation - Manipal Hospital

What is an AICD?

AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators) is a device that a cardiologist implants into a patient’s chest to monitor his/her heart rate. An AICD treatment is generally used to treat patients with arrhythmia by correcting an abnormal heart rhythm.

An arrhythmiais a heart rhythm disorder that occur when electrical impulses, that regulate heartbeats, don’t function properly. It can cause the heart to beat too slow, too fast or irregularly.

An AICD implantationpasses electric shock to the heart to make it start beating normally again.

Although there are many types of AICDs, they all have 2 parts in common; a generator and electrodes. The electrodes are used to monitor heart’s electrical activity. The generator is like the brain of the AICDs. It stores information about any arrhythmias.

Who needs an AICD implantation?

A cardiologist may recommend you for AICD treatmentif:

·         You have an increased heart rhythm that cannot be treatedwith surgery.

·         You have an increased heart rhythm that cannot be managed with medications.

·         You have a medical history of cardiac arrest or abnormal heart rhythm.

·         You have severe side effects from medications.

·         You had at least one episode of Ventricular Fibrillation (Vfib) and Ventricular Tachycardia (VT).

What happens during an AICD implantation?

Before undergoing an AICD implantation, the doctors may perform electrophysiological study to decide whether the patient requires an AICD treatment or medications for the heart condition.

After sedating the patient, the surgeons make an incision in the upper chest area. Then, they create a ‘pocket’ in the chest to place the AICD device and connect it to the wires inserted through the veins into the heart. An arrhythmia will be then created to check if the device is working properly. The next day, the doctors will again the check the AICD system with a computer.

Recovery time after the AICD implantation is quite short, not longer than 3 or 4 days.After the implantation, the patient must follow recommended diet, routine and medications.

What are the precautions that one should take after AICD implantation?

Few precautions that a patient should take after AICD implantation are:

·         Watch out for excessive pain or inflammation over the wound and inform your doctor immediately.

·         Avoid excessive movement of the arm for at least one week after the implantation.

·         Avoid using mobile phones on the side of the AICD as it can affect the functioning of the device.

·         Do not miss your medications recommended by the doctor.

·         Do not miss your regular check-ups.

AICD implantation is a procedure that can help treat the life-threatening arrhythmia. So, choose the best heart care centre for your treatment. Some of the best AICD treatment hospitals are Apollo Hospitals, Manipal Hospitals and Narayan Health.