When it comes to protecting your heart from life-threatening rhythm disorders, choosing the right Heart Specialist is one of the most important decisions you will make. If your doctor has recommended ICD surgery, understanding the procedure and selecting an experienced expert can make a significant difference in safety, outcomes, and long-term care.
Patients across the UAE receive advanced cardiac care guided
by experienced specialists who focus on accurate diagnosis, personalized
treatment planning, and long-term heart health management.
Understanding ICD
Surgery
An ICD stands for Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. It
is a small electronic device implanted under the skin of the chest to monitor
and regulate the heart’s rhythm. ICD surgery is typically recommended for
patients who are at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a
life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart’s electrical system
malfunctions.
The Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator works similarly
to a pacemaker. It has leads (thin wires) that pass through veins into the
heart. The device continuously monitors heart rhythm and delivers electrical
therapy if a dangerous arrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular
fibrillation is detected.
The ICD can:
Deliver life-saving electrical shocks to restore normal
rhythm
Provide anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP), a painless method to
stop fast rhythms
Act as a pacemaker for slow heart rhythms
Record heart activity and monitor fluid levels
Because this device directly interacts with the heart’s
electrical system, selecting the right Heart Specialist for ICD surgery is
critical.
Who Needs ICD
Surgery?
ICDs are generally recommended for two categories of
patients:
1. Secondary
Prevention
Patients who have survived sudden cardiac arrest or
sustained ventricular tachycardia are at high risk of recurrence. For these
individuals, ICD
surgery provides protection against future life-threatening episodes.
2. Primary Prevention
Some patients have not experienced cardiac arrest but are at
high risk due to conditions such as:
Heart failure
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Genetic heart disorders
A Heart Specialist evaluates risk factors, ECG findings,
imaging reports, and medical history before recommending implantation.
Types of ICD Devices
There are several types of Implantable Cardioverter
Defibrillators. The choice depends on your condition and individual needs.
Subcutaneous ICD
(S-ICD)
This device is implanted under the skin without placing
leads inside the heart. It delivers shocks through a lead positioned along the
chest wall.
Biventricular ICD
Used in heart failure patients, this ICD has three leads
placed in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle to improve
synchronization of heartbeats.
Dual-Chamber ICD
This type includes two leads in the right atrium and right
ventricle and is suitable for patients needing pacing support for slow heart
rhythms along with arrhythmia protection.
Single-Chamber ICD
This ICD has one lead placed in the right ventricle and is
often used for patients primarily at risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
An experienced electrophysiologist determines which device
is most appropriate after a detailed evaluation.
How to Choose the
Right Heart Specialist for ICD Surgery
Selecting the right expert in the UAE requires careful
consideration. Here are key factors to guide your decision:
1. Look for a Cardiac
Electrophysiologist
Not all cardiologists specialize in heart rhythm disorders.
Choose a Heart Specialist trained in electrophysiology, as they have advanced
expertise in arrhythmia diagnosis and device implantation.
2. Evaluate
Experience with ICD Procedures
Ask how many ICD implantations the specialist performs
annually. Experience improves procedural precision and reduces complication
risks.
3. Assess Hospital
Facilities
Ensure the hospital or cardiac center in the UAE is equipped
with advanced imaging systems, device programming technology, and emergency
support facilities.
4. Comprehensive
Pre-Surgery Evaluation
A qualified Heart Specialist will conduct:
ECG and Holter monitoring
Echocardiography
Cardiac MRI (if needed)
Blood tests
Risk assessment analysis
A thorough evaluation ensures the right type of ICD is
selected.
5. Discuss Device
Options Clearly
A good specialist will explain:
The differences between single, dual, biventricular, and
subcutaneous ICDs
Benefits and potential risks
Long-term care requirements
Clear communication builds confidence and helps patients
make informed decisions.
6. Post-Surgery
Follow-Up Care
ICD implantation is not the end of treatment. Regular
follow-ups are necessary to:
Check device function
Adjust programming
Monitor battery life
Evaluate heart condition changes
Choose a Heart Specialist who provides structured follow-up
care.
7. Patient-Centered
Approach
At The Heart.ae,
patient education, comfort, and long-term safety are priorities. A supportive
approach ensures that patients understand lifestyle adjustments, activity
guidelines, and device precautions after surgery.
What Happens During
ICD Implantation?
The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours and is performed
under local anesthesia with sedation.
General steps include:
1. Preparation and sterilization
2. Small incision under the collarbone
3. Lead insertion through veins into the heart
4. Device placement under the skin
5. Testing and programming
6. Closing the incision
Recovery is usually quick, and most patients return home
within a day or two.
Why Choosing the
Right Specialist Matters
ICD therapy has been proven through clinical research to
significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. However, outcomes depend
heavily on:
Correct patient selection
Proper device choice
Accurate lead placement
Correct device programming
Ongoing monitoring
An experienced Heart Specialist ensures each of these steps
is handled with precision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Heart Specialist for ICD implantation is
a life-saving decision. From diagnosis to long-term follow-up, expert guidance
ensures safety, comfort, and improved survival outcomes.
If you or a loved one has been advised to consider ICD
implantation, consult experienced cardiac professionals in the UAE. With
advanced technology and specialized electrophysiology expertise, patients
receive comprehensive care tailored to their unique heart condition.
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