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Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (often called an ICD) is a device that briefly passes an electric current through the heart. It is "implanted," or put in your body surgically. It includes a pulse generator and one or more leads. The pulse generator constantly monitors your heartbeat. It is like a small computer that runs on a battery. The lead (pronounced "leed") is a wire from the pulse generator to the inside of your heart. The lead takes signals from your heart to the ICD and then takes an electric current from the pulse generator to your heart.

Why Would I Need an ICD?
Normally, your heart has a natural pacemaker that helps your heart beat steadily. An electrical current starts in one of the upper chambers (called atria) of the heart and goes through the heart to the bottom chambers (called ventricles). You may need an ICD if you have had, or are at risk of having certain heart rhythm problems.
How Does an ICD Work?
The ICD watches your heart rhythm. If it sees your heartbeat is irregular, it delivers the treatment programmed by your doctor. The ICD can perform:

Pacing: If you have ventricular tachycardia that isn't too fast, the ICD can deliver several pacing signals in a row. When the signals stop, the heart may go back to a normal rhythm.

Cardioversion: If pacing doesn't work, cardioversion is used. A mild shock is sent to the heart to stop the fast heartbeat.

Defibrillation: If ventricular fibrillation is detected, a stronger shock is sent. This stronger shock can stop the fast rhythm and help the heartbeat go back to normal.

Pacemaker: The ICD can also see when your heart beats too slowly. It can act like a pacemaker and bring your heart rate back up to normal.
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How is an ICD Implanted?
The pulse generator may be implanted under you collarbone, or in your abdomen. The doctor will make a pocket under your skin or in a muscle to put the generator in. One end of the lead wire is put into a vein that goes to your heart. The wire is moved through the vein until it reaches the heart. The other end of the wire is attached to the pulse generator. Once implantation is complete, your doctor will program the ICD to treat your specific heart rhythm problem.