section name header

Basics

DESCRIPTION navigator

RISK FACTORS navigator

Genetics navigator

Certain primary electrical disorders, such as long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome, are genetically determined and thus inherited.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY navigator


Outline

Diagnosis

History navigator

Physical Exam navigator

Possible signs of heart disease or heart failure

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS & INTERPRETATION

Imaging navigator

Initial approach

Diagnostic Procedures/Surgery navigator

Some patients may require an EP study to clarify the role of ICD therapy.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS navigator


Outline

Medication (Drugs)

First Line

Often-used antiarrhythmic drugs: Amiodarone or sotalol.

Treatment

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

General Measures navigator

ICD is implanted by a cardiac electrophysiologist with special training. Typically performed under conscious sedation in a cath-lab/EP lab setting. The implant procedure is similar to that of a pacemaker. Device testing (VF induction and defibrillation) performed after device implanted.

Referral navigator

Often joined patient follow-up between cardiologist/primary care physician and cardiac electrophysiologist

SURGERY navigator

IN-PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Admission Criteria navigator

Admission for ICD implant: Typically 1 night stay, same-day discharge may be feasible in selected patients.

Discharge Criteria navigator


Outline

Ongoing Care

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS navigator

Patient Monitoring navigator

Routine (typically every 3 mo) device interrogation, sooner if symptoms.

COMPLICATIONS navigator


Outline

Miscellaneous

CODES

ICD9

SNOMED

Reference(s)

ADDITIONAL READING

Author(s)

Peter Ott