Inserting a defibrillator

[Iswary]

I want to know more about defibrillators and the indications for one to be inserted. risks and complications

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Here's a link the the subject on the BHF website. Have a read through the these pages - they cover most items, and the booklet has a comprehensive amount of data on the subject.

bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

[Bigheart58]

I have a CRT-D (pacemaker and defibrillator). It’s a potential lifesaver if you have a cardiac arrest (I had two while in hospital a year ago). If your doctor thinks you need to get one, you must need it. I wouldn’t hesitate personally.

The main downside was not being able to drive for six months but I saw that as a small price to pay for staying alive for hopefully many years to come.

[KentFox]

Hi Iswary, I had a "traditional" ICD fitted a month ago after a heart attack and resulting heart damage with an EF of 30%. For me having the ICD fitted was a "no brainer"; my consultant said that I could live another 30 years and not need it but if it is needed it would probably save my life so given that the choice was easy for me. From my research ICDs cost arounf £20k to fit so I concluded that the consultant would not recommend one unless she felt it would be beneficial. Also the fact that the ICD was fitted relatively quickly (within 3 months of seeing the consultant at a time when many procedures are being delayed for months) also suggested to me that it is relatively urgent.

The downside for me of having an ICD was having a foreign object in my body (I like to exercise and keep fit) and the risk of having a shock delivered by the ICD when not required. In relation to having a foreign object, although it was painful for a couple of days after I am getting used to it and now feel that I will get to the stage where I will largely forgot I have it. In terms of having an unnecessary shock I read that the reaction ranges between having a horse kick you in the chest to some not realising they had a shock. However after each "false" shock delivered you can't drive for a month which for me was acceptable given the up side of having the ICD.

The main decision for me was which ICD to have; the traditional ICD v's the subcutaneous ICD. From all my research the main downside of the traditional was the risk of a heart infection (there is a lead inserted inside the heart) v's the risk of a S-ICD was the need to have it fitted under a general anaesthetic. My understanding is both risks were very small and rare. The BHF website and talking to a BHF nurse were a very big help. I eventually decided on the traditional ICD because it was less complicated to fit and therefore quicker (I was keen to get on with my life). Also the traditional ICD is inserted just between the collar bone and the heart whereas the S-ICD is under the armpit and my instinct was the traditional would be less of a nuisance although that was very subjective.

I hope this is helpful but as suggested there is plenty of information on the BHF and other sites and I consulted widely with various health professionals