Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices
Cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators, also called cardiac implantable electronic devices are used to correct abnormal heart rhythms.
Pacemakers are used to treat problems irregular or abnormal heartbeat (also known as Arrhythmias). During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
When a heartbeat is too fast, this is called tachycardia (TAK-ih-KAR-de-ah) and bradycardia (bray-de-KAR-de-ah), of a heartbeat is too slow.
​
During an arrhythmia, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, or fainting. Severe arrhythmias can damage the body's vital organs and may even cause loss of consciousness or death.
A pacemaker can relieve some arrhythmia symptoms, such as fatigue and fainting. A pacemaker also can help a person who has abnormal heart rhythms resume a more active lifestyle.
​
How Are They Implanted?
Implantation of pacemaker or AICD is a straightforward process and is performed under local anaesthesia. The pacemaker is normally implanted in the chest with a minor surgery that takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes and normally performed as a day-care procedure.