2023-11-28 09:32:17
Following the death of Raphael Dwamena, former Levante Unión Deportiva and Real Zaragoza player, during an Albanian League football match, cardiologists remember the importance of the implantable automatic defibrillator (ICD) in saving lives and offer a series of advice and medical recommendations.
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device similar to a pacemaker. EFE/Ángel Medina G.
The implantable automatic defibrillator (ICD) is a device similar to a pacemaker whose mission is restore normal heart rhythm by applying an electric shock, in the event of dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is a very useful instrument recommended by cardiologists.
The sudden death of the former Ghanaian Levante Unión Deportiva and Real Zaragoza player, Raphael Dwamena, is an example of the decisive importance of these devices.
Both the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) as the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) They remember that these instruments serve to save lives and advocate following medical recommendations.
“Unfortunately, on many occasions, cardiology fails to detect all cardiac events. However, in those that we do detect, it is essential to follow the cardiologist’s advice.”, emphasizes Dr. Ignacio Lozano, elected president of the Spanish Society of Cardiology and SEC representative within the Spanish Council of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CERCP).
How is the implantable automatic defibrillator implanted?
The device is responsible for monitor heart rate. If this is too slow, the ICD may
stimulate the heart like a pacemaker. Furthermore, if a rapid arrhythmia appears, then try to stop it by means of defibrillation (sudden and brief application of a high-voltage electrical current).
It is advisable both for patients who have suffered cardiac arrest or loss of consciousness and for those who are at high risk of suffering from a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia, such as some professional athletes or people at risk.
It is made up of an electrode that is placed through the veins and a generator that is implanted superficially, below the clavicle, similar to the placement of a pacemaker.
It is usually implanted under anesthesia and recovery from the intervention is rapid, allowing discharge after a short time.
Approximately every six years the batteries can run out, requiring replacement of the defibrillator. There are also implantable defibrillators that do not have wires inside the heart. This model is known as subcutaneous.
Living with a DAI
Patients who have an ICD can do a practically normal life and they must only:
follow specific checks and a few precautions, which will be communicated to them by their doctors. Avoid strong magnetic fields, including metal detectors. Always carry with you DAI carrier card.
The SEC makes the manual available to patients with an ICD “Living with a DAI”which offers detailed information about the operation of the device, as well as a series of precautions that will allow them to lead a normal life.
Infographic of the SEC and the FEC Infographic of the SEC and the FEC
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