Implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Key facts An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device placed near the heart, which detects and corrects abnormal rhythms of the heart. You might need an ICD if you have a heart arrhythmia, such as an abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat. Fitting an ICD will require either a local or general anaesthetic, depending on your circumstances. People with ICDs should avoid certain types of electronic devices with strong magnetic fields, such as chainsaws and MRI. It’s important to tell any health professionals you see that you have an ICD. What is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable