FAQs on S-ICD by Best Heart Specialist in Delhi

February 18, 2022 | 3 minutes read time

S-ICD stands for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator. It’s a life-saving medical device designed to track the heart’s rhythm constantly. Whenever it detects abnormal rhythms, S-ICD restores the normal cardiac rhythm by sending energy directly to your heart, explains Dr. Vanita Arora – the best heart specialist in Delhi.

In this blog post, Dr. Vanita has answered the most commonly asked questions on the S-ICD device. Towards the end of FAQs, you’ll feel more informed and confident to book an appointment with Dr. Vanita and determine your treatment course.

1. How does S-ICD differ from ICD?

Between ICD and S-ICD, the latter is less invasive. In the ICD implantation procedure, there are leads involved, which are directly connected to the heart through a vein. And the transvenous device is surgically implanted near the patient’s collarbone. The patient’s heart condition determines whether they need one or two leads for it to function optimally.

On the other hand, in the S-ICD implantation procedure, the transvenous device is implanted next to the left-hand side rib cage. Leads are involved in the S-ICD implant as well but are not connected to the heart wall. Instead, they are placed above the breastbone, beneath the skin. In this case, the veins and the heart are left untouched, clarifies the best heart specialist in Delhi.

2. What’s the difference between S-ICD and pacemaker?

Both pacemakers and S-ICD are designed to keep the heart beating at a normal pace or rhythm. People with arrhythmia experience shortness of breath and fatigue during exercise and other strenuous activities. These implantable devices increase the patients’ quality of life. But they are not the same.

While S-ICD has pacemaker capabilities (which is to regulate the patient’s heartbeat), it can also deliver a shock to the heart (called defibrillation in medical terms) when it detects life-threatening irregular rhythms. That’s what differentiates the S-ICD device from a pacemaker, explains the best heart specialist in Delhi.

3. Who requires S-ICD device implantation?

You may need an S-ICD implant if you had an episode of:

• • Ventricular fibrillation
• • Sudden cardiac arrest
• • Ventricular tachycardia
• • Heart attack or at high risk of SCA (sudden cardiac arrest)
• • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

As you can see, S-ICD device implantation is used for treating many heart-related conditions. You’d need to book an appointment with the best heart specialist in Delhi to understand if and when you need it.

4. Is the procedure safe?

S-ICD device implantation is safe in general. However, as with any surgical procedure and your existing condition, there may be a few risks involved. Dr. Vanita will advise special precautions to reduce the risks. You may discuss any concerns during your appointment.

Need S-ICD Implantation?

Dr. Vanita is the best heart specialist in Delhi, specializing in S-ICD implants, ICD implantation, and pacemaker implantation. You can book an appointment with Dr. Vanita to get her expert opinion on your condition and to determine the way forward. She regularly deals with advanced and latest treatment procedures and she will recommend the best treatment option for you or your loved one.

Call +91 98738 79994 to schedule an appointment, or you may email Dr. Vanita at doctorvanitaarora@gmail.com. If none of these options seem feasible, fill out this form instead. During the appointment, you can also determine the S-ICD cost.