Implantable cardiac defibrillators

Some people who have had a heart attackThe death of a section of heart muscle caused by an interruption in its blood supply. Also called a myocardial infarction. could benefit from an implantable cardiac defibrillatorA small device that delivers an electric shock to restore an abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm.. This helps to treat the abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillationAn abnormal heart rhythm causing failure of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to pump properly. Abbreviated to VF., which can cause sudden cardiac death.

These devices can significantly improve survival rates in people whose heart muscleTissue made up of cells that can contract to bring about movement. has been damaged by a heart attackThe death of a section of heart muscle caused by an interruption in its blood supply. Also called a myocardial infarction.: when a dangerous heart rhythm is detected, the defibrillatorA device used for defibrillation, which involves giving a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest. delivers a controlled electric shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm.[1]