What is an automatic implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (AICD)?

What is an automatic implantable cardioverterdefibrillator (AICD)?

An AICD is an implantable device capable of detecting ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and terminating these dysrhythmias by antitachycardia pacing or cardio-version/defibrillation. AICDs also have pacing functions incorporated as a back-up for bradydysrhythmias follow-ing defibrillation or in patients who are pacemaker-dependent and also need to have a defibrillator implanted. Patients presenting with AICDs usually have significant cardiovascular disease and are at high risk of sudden car-diac death due to ventricular tachydysrhythmias. The list of indications for implanting AICDs is rapidly growing and subject to ongoing studies.