Defibrillator Implantation
Implantation of defibrillators (cardioverter-defibrillators).
This operation is used in cases where the patient has accelerated heart rhythms (tachyarrhythmias) and a high risk of cardiac arrest. Then, a small device is implanted into the body to correct these rhythms using high technologies.
Dangerous rhythm disturbances most often occur due to the following reasons:
- Coronary artery disease;
- Cardiomyopathy – a disease caused by excessive expansion of the heart chambers or walls;
- Congenital heart defects.
The cardioverter-defibrillator itself is quite compact. With a simple surgical intervention, it is inserted under the skin through a small incision below the left clavicle and connected to electrodes inserted through large veins into the heart cavity.
How an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator works:
- Normalizes heart rhythm when it is disturbed
- Restarts the heart when it stops
- Provides 24/7 full control over heart rate
To allow the normal rhythm to recover, the device is activated only when there are abnormalities in heart function. When the intrinsic rhythm has an insufficient rate, the device starts operating in pacemaker mode, meaning it will set the heart's rhythm at a programmed rate.
Defibrillator implantation in Spain is a high-tech surgical intervention that helps save lives in cases of tachyarrhythmias accompanying heart diseases. With precise device operation, a person can live a maximally full life.
