Briefly explain how implantable cardioverter defibrillators(ICD) allow people wi

Question

Briefly explain how implantable cardioverter defibrillators(ICD) allow people with certain kinds of cardiac arrhythmias(a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow) live normal, active lives. Include also that signals can be processed in both time and frequency, domain, and how the algorithm complexity can affect how quickly the defibrillator runs. Consider the ethics of an actual case in which a maker of defibrillators discovered a flow in their device, but delayed publicizing the flaw for three years.

Explanation / Answer

ICDs are useful in preventing sudden death in patients with known, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Studies have shown ICDs to have a role in preventing cardiac arrest in high-risk patients who haven't had, but are at risk for, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

An ICD is a battery-powered device placed under the skin that keeps track of your heart rate. Thin wires connect the ICD to your heart. If an abnormal heart rhythm is detected the device will deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat if your heart is beating chaotically and much too fast.

ICDs have been very useful in preventing sudden death in patients with known, sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Studies have shown that they may have a role in preventing cardiac arrest in high-risk patients who haven't had, but are at risk for, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.

Causes of Arrthymia's:

Indications for ICD's:

Implantation:

A battery-powered pulse generator is implanted in a pouch under the skin of the chest or abdomen, often just below the collarbone. The generator is about the size of a pocket watch. Wires or leads run from the pulse generator to positions on the surface of or inside the heart and can be installed through blood vessels, eliminating the need for open-chest surgery.

How does an ICD work?
It knows when the heartbeat is not normal and tries to return the heartbeat to normal.

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