With this procedure, a small device is placed in your chest. It monitors your heart's rhythm. If it detects that your heart isn't beating normally, it sends electricity to your heart to convert your heart rhythm to a normal one.
To begin, you're given medicine to make you feel relaxed and numb. You may be put to sleep. We monitor your vital signs closely to keep you safe.
For the first part of the surgery, we implant thin wires we call "leads." We make one or more small openings in your skin to reach a large vein in your chest. With the help of a video x-ray device called a "fluoroscope," we guide each lead through the vein and into your heart. We may place one or more leads, depending on your needs.
Next, we connect the leads to the electrical impulse generator. It's a small, battery-powered device. We test it by having it send quick bursts of electricity through the leads and into your heart. When we know it's working properly, we slip the device under the skin of your chest and close the incision.
When the surgery is finished, you'll be taken to a recovery room. We'll watch you closely until we know it's safe for you to go home. Follow your care tips for a safe recovery.