Implantable defibrillator (ICD) checks
ICD's are extremely effective at treating 2 potentially lethal rhythm abnormalities (Arrhythmias), VT and VF. When fully operational, ICD's monitor the heart rate and rhythm. When it detects an abnormality, it will initiate pacing if the rhythm is VT, or it will deliver a small electric shock if the rhythm is VF.
This is because in VF, the heart rhythm is completely chaotic and it can no longer pump blood effectively around the body. An ICD check is similar for the patient to a pacemaker check, it may however take slightly longer as there is often a lot more data which needs to be analysed by the physiologist.
Most importantly, ICD checks allow us to see whether the patient has received any shocks, therapy for VT or VF, to provide reassurance to the patient that the device is functioning as it should be and to make any adjustments to improve the efficiency of the device.
