Heart rhythm is mainly controlled by the conduction system of the heart. Any abnormality in the conduction system may result in abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) cause not only palpitations, dizziness and syncope but also sudden death.
Process:
- You may be discharged from hospital a few days after the ICD implantation.
- The wound should be covered with light dressing. Please keep the wound site clean and avoid making the dressing wet during shower. Always change dressing if wet.
- You may need to come back to the clinic for suture removal 1 week after the procedure if any. You may remove the dressing 2-3 days after suture removal.
- Please avoid lifting the affected arm for 1 month and avoid vigorous arm movement in the first week after the procedure.
- You will be arranged to attend regular ICD analysis, re-programming and battery power assessment.
- Please carry your ICD identity card at all times.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions or refer to the information booklet from the ICD company to minimize the risk of pacemaker malfunction due to electromagnetic interference. In general, strong electro-magnetic field or radiofrequency signal will interfere your ICD. Please keep a distance of >15 cm (6 inches) from an active mobile phone. Household electrical or electronic appliance usually does not affect ICD.
- You should report to your doctor or nearby Accident and Emergency Department if you suffer from syncope or electric shocks delivered by the ICD.
- ICD generator will need to be replaced in 3-6 years’ time when the battery is depleted.
After Procedure:
- You may be discharged from hospital several days after the CRT implantation.
- The wound should be covered with light dressing. Please keep the wound site clean and avoid making the dressing wet during shower. Always change dressing if wet.
- You may need to come back to the ward or clinic for suture removal 1 week after the procedure if any. You may remove the dressing 2-3 days after suture removal.
- Please avoid lifting the affected arm for 1 month and avoid vigorous arm movement in the first week after the procedure.
- You will be arranged to attend regular CRT analysis, re-programming and battery power assessment. To maximize the benefits of CRT, the settings will be optimized with the help of echocardiogram.
- Please carry your CRT identity card at all times.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions or refer to the information booklet from the CRT Company to minimize the risk of CRT malfunction due to electromagnetic interference. In general, strong electro-magnetic field or radiofrequency signal will interfere your pacemaker. Please keep a distance of >15cm(6 inches) from an active mobile phone. Household electrical or electronic appliance usually does not affect pacemaker.
- CRT generator will need to be replaced in 5-10 years’ time when the battery is depleted.