Implantable Medical Devices

Implantable devices can be used to help control irregular heartbeats and support the heart’s pumping function. The following are examples that may be used for people who have had a heart attack or other cardiac problems.

Devices that help control the heart’s rhythm include:

• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
• Pacemaker

A left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps to support the heart and circulation. 

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

What the device does

An ICD detects the rhythm of the heart and delivers electrical shocks to correct the heart’s rhythms when needed. It is a small, battery-powered device placed under the skin. It monitors your heart rate and sends an electrical shock to your heart if it detects an abnormal or very fast rhythm. 

Reason for the device

• Used in people at risk for recurrent, sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation
• Restores the heart to normal rhythm 
• Helps prevent sudden cardiac death  

Learn more about ICDs.

Pacemaker

You might need a temporary pacemaker in the hospital after a heart attack if your heart beats too slowly. A long-term pacemaker is needed if the heart attack impacts the ability to have a normal heart rhythm and rate.

What the device does

The small device has wires implanted in the heart tissue to send electrical impulses that help the heart beat in a regular rhythm. It is powered by a battery.

Reason for the device

It helps the heart beat regularly when the heart’s “natural pacemaker” is not working and causes the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.   

• What is a Pacemaker? (PDF)
• Learn more about pacemakers.
• Living with your pacemaker
• Download a Pacemaker I.D. Card that will tell the people helping you in an emergency that you have a pacemaker.

Left Ventricular Assist Device   

The left ventricle is the large, muscular chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the body. An LVAD is a battery-operated, mechanical pump-type device. It’s placed in the body during surgery. It helps maintain the pumping ability of a heart when it can’t pump well on its own.

These devices are available in most heart transplant centers. 

Reason for the device

This device is sometimes called a “bridge to transplant” but is also used in long-term therapy. People often wait a long time for a suitable heart for transplant. During this wait, their weakened heart may get worse and not pump enough blood. An LVAD can help them while they wait for the heart transplant or even remove the need for one. LVADs are also used for long-term treatment in people with end-stage heart failure when a heart transplant is not an option. 

What the device does   

The LVAD has a tube that takes blood from the left ventricle to a pump. The pump sends the blood into the aorta (the large blood vessel leaving the heart). The pump is placed at the bottom of the heart inside the chest. Another tube from the pump goes out through the abdominal wall to the outside of the body and connects to the pump’s battery and control system. LVADs are portable and can be used for weeks to months. People with LVADs can leave the hospital and have an acceptable quality of life while waiting for a donor heart.