Panama Medical Vacations

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Coming to Panama for an Implantable Defibrillator

An implantable defibrillator is a device that monitors your heart rate. It is used in patients at risk for recurrent, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. The defibrillator uses batteries to send electric signals to a heart thatÕs beating too slow, similar to a pacemaker. This information sheets discusses how implantable defibrillators work and provide tips on how to successfully manage living with one. If you are having trouble with the rhythm of your heart, you need an expertÕs help.

Prior to Surgery

Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure

You surgeon will place a defibrillator inside your chest and its leads will be connected inside the heart or on its surface. These leads produce electrical shocks, read the cardiac rhythm and if necessary pace the heart. The various leads are channeled to a pulse generator, which is placed in a pocket of skin of the chest or abdomen. These generators are usually larger than a wallet and have electronic monitoring in order to treat heart rhythms recognized as abnormal. Some of the newer devices are smaller and have less complicated lead systems. They can be installed through blood vessels, eliminating the need for open chest surgery.

After your surgery

Recovery from a defibrillator implantation is dependant on the method used to install the device. The recovery time is rapid if a microscopic device is installed and longer in cases where an incision is made.

Risks

Aside from common risks of infection, this discussion becomes more about the risks of not having the surgery. While an implantable defibrillator does not guarantee 100% protection against abnormal heart rhythms, its presence more than offsets any risks having the device me cause.