Dr Manjinder Sandhu

Implantable devices are being used to treat the heart diseases since long. The devices are placed surgically and their work is to deliver pacing or an electric impulse to the heart when an abnormal rhythm is detected.

The rhythm is controlled by the following implants,

1.    Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): Also known as ICD implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a battery-powered device which keeps a check on the heart rate. It is used in a patient with sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. It helps in preventing sudden cardiac death.

2.    Pacemaker: When the heart beats too fast or too slow, due to the damage to the natural pacemaker, this device helps maintain the regular rhythm of the heart.

3.    Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): Left ventricle is a muscular chamber of the heart its function is to pump blood to all over the body. LVAD is also a battery-operated device which helps maintain the pumping action of the heart when the left ventricle is not able to perform this function on its own.