What is an S-ICD?

An S-ICD (subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a small device that is implanted underneath the skin to help keep track of- and control your heartbeat. The difference with a standard ICD is that an S-ICD does not have the standard pacemaker function. It is implanted on the side of the chest on top of your ribs rather than under your collarbone. Besides that, the wires are under the skin instead of through the veins. This will keep your blood vessels and heart untouched and intact. Since the wires aren’t connected directly to the heart the electric pulse from an S-ICD does have to be quite a bit stronger. Because of this the box and battery of an the device are slightly bigger than those of a traditional ICD. 

When will you receive an S-ICD?

• When you have a high risk of cardiac arrest. 

Read more:

What is a pacemaker?

What is an ICD?

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What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

A pacemaker and an ICD look the same and both contain a small chip that tracks your heart rhythm. The main difference is that an ICD can send out an electric shock when your heart beats too much out of its normal rhythm. An ICD can use its defibrillation function to save your life in case of a life threatening abnormality.

Read more:

What is a pacemaker?

What is an ICD?

Vital Beat offers special protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below. 

Learn more about Vital Beat pacemaker comfort and protection

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What is an ICD?

An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a small device that is implanted underneath the skin to help keep track of- and control your heartbeat. The difference with a pacemaker is that an ICD can intervene in case of a life threatening heart rhythm abnormality. The ICD consists of a small box and one or two wires. In the metal box there is a small chip and a battery that powers the device and has a life span of many years. 

When will you receive an ICD?

• In case of a life threatening heart rhythm disorder such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. 
• When you have a high risk of a heart rhythm disorder or cardiac arrest. 
• When medicines for your heart rhythm disorder don’t work or surgery isn’t possible. 

Placement

During surgery a small incision, approximately 5 cm or 2 inches long, is made on your chest underneath your collarbone. In general the device is placed under your left collarbone, but a surgeon might choose to place it under your right collarbone or elsewehere. The pacemaker is implanted at this location underneath the skin and the wires are led through a vein to the heart. Small electric pulses, that you won’t be able to feel, are sent through the wire to your heart when needed.

CRT-D

Like an ICD, a CRT-defibrillator is designed to intervene in case of a life threatening heart rhythm abnormality. Other than a normal ICD, a CRT-D has three wires instead of one or two and sends small electric pulses to your left and right ventricles to help your heart pump more efficiently. 

Read more:

What is a pacemaker?

What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?

Vital Beat offers special protection wear for you and your device. You can read more about these products by clicking the button below. 

ICD comfort and protection