Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator
Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is the installation of a special device in patients with life-threatening rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). The main task of the cardioverter-defibrillator is to prevent sudden cardiac death.
Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator in Lviv is carried out in our Center according to the principles of evidence-based medicine by experts.
Your heart needs help if
- the interruptions in the work of the heart occur,
- you lose consciousness,
- you experience irregular heartbeat,
- you have a feeling of stopping the heartbeat,
- you have been diagnosed with rhythm and conduction disorders according to ECG results (sustained episode of “arrhythmogenic” cardiac arrest; long QT syndrome; ventricular tachycardia; low contractility of the heart after myocardial infarction; Brugada syndrome),
- other conditions with a high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
In some cases, the installation of a cardioverter-defibrillator can solve these problems. A cardiologist (arrhythmologist) will be able to determine the need for a cardioverter-defibrillator having comprehensively examined you and having performed a Holter ECG monitoring (continuous recording of your ECG during, usually, 24 hours using a compact portable device – a Holter monitor).
How is a cardioverter-defibrillator implanted?
Implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is carried out under local anesthesia in conditions of maximum sterility in a specially equipped operating room. A small incision (up to 7 cm) is made under the collarbone (usually the left one), followed by the insertion of thin electrodes into the subclavian vein. Under the guidance of X-rays, thin electrodes reach the heart and are attached to the heart muscle. After positioning and fixing the electrodes, the doctor of the Center tests how the electrodes work and checks the reliability of their fixation. During implantation, you may be asked to perform some commands, such as taking a deep breath or coughing. These electrodes are attached to a cardioverter-defibrillator, which is sewn under the skin in the subclavian area. The average duration of the procedure is 45 minutes – 2.5 hours. However, each heart is unique and time may vary in each specific case.
How to prepare for the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator?
- It is recommended not to consume food in the morning on the day of the planned operation.
- Please, consult your doctor regarding the medication you take on a regular basis.
- All other recommendations will be provided by your doctor.
Лікарі
Часті питання
- You can wear whatever you want when going to the hospital. During the procedure, you
- will be dressed in a hospital gown.
- Leave your valuables at home.
- One day before the arranged date, your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and сan eat or drink before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor what medications you should take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your doctor and/or nurses if you are allergic to anything.
- injected during the procedure.
- The procedure is performed in the X-ray operating room. This room is cool and dimly lit.
- You will lie on a special table above which you will see a large camera and several
- monitors.
- When the contrast medium is injected, you may feel heat or notice redness for a few
- seconds. This is normal – these sensations will quickly disappear.
- Catheters and an introducer are removed from the blood vessel. The doctor will press
- the puncture site with a finger and apply a compression bandage.
- The nurse will check your bandage regularly to prevent bleeding.
- After a puncture in the leg, you need to lie in bed for several hours.
- The puncture site may be sensitive.
- You will need to drink plenty of fluid to clear the contrast material from your body.
