Understanding ICDs – Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

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I’d like to invite you to join this discussion about ICDs – implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Share your stories about living with an ICD, coping with the challenges, and offering tips. Let’s learn from each other – come say hi and introduce yourself.

Yes, sounds Interresting.
As one with AFib and
Heart failure I read
Your articles, with
Interrest.
Success101

Hi..my name is Grace Olaniyan.

My daughter who has long QT syndrome had a S-ICD implanted but finally had to have it removed and have a pacemaker implanted in it's place. She was constantly getting shocked by the S-ICD due to what she describes as false readings.

Hi Grace @bimbus1,

I noticed that you had posted some supportive advice, a while ago in the Heart & Blood Health group – I’m glad you’ve joined this discussion, too. Do you have an ICD?

Hi @johnbishop,

A reported drawback of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators or S-ICD is the potential for generating false positives, or inappropriate shocks. Apparently, this is because of "positional attenuation of the R waves that may activate the device algorithm to increase the amplitude of the cardiac signals, resulting in oversensing of atrial fibrillation waves.”

I thought you might be interested in viewing this article about some advancements in the newer devices.
"S-ICD Sensing Filter At Least Halved Inappropriate Shocks” https://www.medpagetoday.com/meetingcoverage/hrs/72853

Hi. I had my sixth ICD implanted this past November and cannot imagine life without the security of having my emergency room on board. The first was implanted in 1993 for treatment of my ventricular tachycardia episodes resulting from tetralogy of Fallot repair as a child. The programming in my last couple devices has been phenomenal when compared to early devices. While all have been able to identify and treat the V-tachs the ones now are very capable of determining many nuances to the arrhythmia and treat them successfully with pacing therapies so that do not have to shock me. In fact, I have had episodes that were detected and treated so quickly that I never knew they occurred until the clinic told me. They now last many years and provide the doctors with so much more information to help them treat me.

Shocks are not fun, but they are so fast that they are done before I have had time to react. My worst experience was when a lead went bad years ago. The device I had at that time had no way to tell me except to send shocks. Current devices monitor the leads and have a way to tell you that there is a problem with a lead or the device. The one I have now will beep. The last one I had would vibrate.

My last couple devices have had remote connection to my device clinic. Should the device deliver a treatment it automatically sends the info to the clinic the next night (it sits by my bed). Every 3 months it uploads all the detailed data and saves me a trip to the clinic. I still have an office visit yearly and whenever they need to make a programming change.

I have travelled the world with my ICD and I admit it took many trips before I could say I relaxed for security checks. That said I have never had either a problem or gotten any negative reaction from a security person. Years ago they might have asked to see the device ID card that the manufacturer gives you, but for many years they all recognize the universal sign - just pat your right hand over your upper left chest & they'll know what you are saying. (Likely they will say "pacemaker?" and you just agree). Then they will tell you where to go for a security check and most times they will offer a private screening if you prefer. I've gotten so used to it I just decline and let them do the pat down - always a woman. Sometimes a security person will be curious and ask questions about the device. At first it bothered me, but then I figured it was a good chance to educate them and make it easier for all travelers with devices.

All in all my ICD is just a part of me and I'm happy to have it.

Yes. I have an ICD

i have an icd that was placed in 2013. i have a bi ventricular pacemaker . my ventricular tachycardia episodes are due to cardiac sarcoidosis and the scars that damaged my heart and left me with heart failure. Between 2013-2016 i was shocked 5 times. Hooray for technology, saved my life. i had a cardiac ablation in 2016 and everything has been great since then. I do have so e post traumatic stress and anxiety from receiving shocks though.
i recently published a book, My Heart Boo, by Susan Crosby. Its a tool to manage heart failure or other cardiac conditions.
My website is susancrosby.org to learn about my story.

@lioness I cant say much about the S ICD but I know I would search a good cardiologist who has a lot of experience in putting one in. See how many of these he has done and the outcome of them I wouldn't want one in me and be shocked all the time. But if its your last choice and you need one this is my advice . I had a triple by pass in 96 and so far my arteries are clear and pumping the blood just fine. Kudos to @suscros68 for a successful implant . I'm going to look up your website .