Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
ICD
Also written as: ICD — Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
A device that monitors heart rhythm and delivers electrical shocks to correct life-threatening arrhythmias.
Full Definition
An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-powered device placed under the skin that tracks heart rate and rhythm. When it detects a very fast, abnormal heart rhythm, it delivers electrical shocks to the heart muscle to restore a normal heartbeat. ICDs are used in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. Modern ICDs can also function as pacemakers and may include cardiac resynchronization therapy capabilities.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in patient-facing materials.
In Context
- "The ICD successfully terminated the ventricular tachycardia episode with a single 15-joule shock." — Clinical case report
- "Post-market surveillance data showed a 2.3% lead failure rate for this ICD model." — Regulatory submission
Also known as
defibrillator
implantable defibrillator
Don't confuse with
pacemaker
CRT-D