What device implanted by an Electrophysiologist monitors the heart and delivers a shock to stop ventricular fibrillation?

Answer

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are sophisticated electronic devices managed by electrophysiologists to protect patients from life-threatening, fast, and chaotic heart rhythms. An ICD is surgically implanted under the skin, typically near the collarbone, with leads extending into the heart chambers. Its primary function is continuous monitoring of the heart's electrical activity. If the device detects dangerously rapid or erratic rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation, which prevents effective blood circulation, the ICD is programmed to automatically deliver a controlled, internal electrical shock. This therapeutic shock is intended to reset the heart muscle back into a normal, synchronized rhythm, thereby preventing sudden cardiac arrest and differentiating the ICD from a pacemaker, which is primarily used to correct slow heart rhythms.

What device implanted by an Electrophysiologist monitors the heart and delivers a shock to stop ventricular fibrillation?

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