Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) An implantable
cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that uses
electrical pulses or shocks to help control abnormal heart
rhythms, especially ones that can be life-threatening. An ICD is
also known as an automatic implantable cardioverter-
defibrillator (AICD). An ICD is implanted under the skin in the
chest. A wire threaded through a large vein connects the device
to the heart. An ICD is always checking your heart rate and
rhythm. If the ICD detects a life-threatening rapid heart
rhythm, it tries to slow the rhythm to get it back to normal. If
the dangerous rhythm does not stop, the ICD sends an electric
shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. The device then
goes back to its watchful mode. If your heart is beating too
slowly, the ICD acts as a pacemaker, sending mild electrical
pulses to bring your heart rate back up to normal.
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