The different types of implantable cardioverter defibrillators

There are different types of ICDs:

• Transvenous (endocavitary) ICDs whose box is located at the level of the chest, in front or behind the major chest muscle and the leads reach the heart by passing through nearby vessels which are approached during the implantation. Transvenous ICDs can deliver defibrillation shocks or stimulate the heart faster than an arrhythmia to stop it. They can also pace the heart exactly as a pacemaker. Depending on your condition, they can have one (single chamber ICD), two (dual chamber ICD) or three leads (resynchronization therapy and defibrillation, called CRT-D)

 

• Subcutaneous ICDs (S-ICDs), whose box is located under the skin of the chest in the region under the arm and the lead is placed under the skin to the front of the chest. These are only capable of delivering defibrillation shocks.
  

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a single-chamber ICD?

A single-chamber ICD has one lead placed in the right ventricle to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms.

What is a dual-chamber ICD?

A dual-chamber ICD has two leads, one in the right atrium and one in the right ventricle, allowing it to monitor and regulate electrical activity in both chambers.

What is a subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD)?

A subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) is placed under the skin and does not have leads directly inside the heart, offering a less invasive option for certain patients.