Do you have a CRT/ICD device?

[ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Cardiac devices like pacemakers have been around for many years, and technological advances mean that they are becoming smaller and more reliable with each decade. This summer, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has revised its guidance on implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT).

Arrhythmia Alliance is searching for two patients, or carers of someone who has benefited from a CRT/ICD device, to share their experiences and inform a study into how devices have evolved and where they are heading. You can find out more about the type of device you have by consulting the identity card and handbook you should have received from the nurse after implant before you were allowed home.

Your involvement in the project will promote provision of improved technologies while supporting education around devices to make sure patients and carers know why they have been recommended and thought right for this type of device, determinant on their needs.

Are you young and newly fitted with a CRT/ICD device or have you noticed improvements in your quality of life? Please get in touch.

If you would like to take part, please email [e-mail]

For more information on ICDs, please click below.

Info on CRT/ICD devices: heartrhythmcharity.org.uk/w...

CRT/ICD patient information booklet: heartrhythmcharity.org.uk/w...

Information on updated NICE guidance: heartrhythmcharity.org.uk/w...

[cyrilbarnes]

Hi Andrew,

I had an ICD fitted in March 2010 and am willing to help in any way I can. I may not be the ideal candidate though as it doesn't really help with my quality of life. It was fitted because I was diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome after blacking out ( Sudden Cardiac Arrest). It is there just to give my heart a kick should it ever get excited and go into ventricular fibrillation. It also gives smaller pacing shocks if it senses too high a heart rate before giving the big one, so without it I may well just keel over without apparent cause and never wake up. It is in effect my life insurance - literally!

I am also not young, if that is a criteria, as I started drawing my pension last October. However if you do have to scrape the bottom of the barrel for volunteers then count me in.

Cyril.