Subcutaneous implantable defibrillator
 S-ICD: subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator | |
| Manufacturer | Boston Scientific |
|---|---|
| Website | www.s-icd.eu |
The S-ICD patient-information website (www.s-icd.eu) provides more information, including pictures of patient having a Subcutaneous ICD fitted and videos of patients talking about their experience of living with a Subcutaneous ICD.
Unlike a transvenous ICD, in which leads are fed into the heart through a vein and attached to the heart wall, the electrodes of the S-ICD are placed just under the skin and not in the heart; leaving the heart and veins untouched and intact.
One of the reasons the S-ICD was developed was to reduce the risk of complications associated with transvenous leads. Potential complications, such as infections in the bloodstream and the need to remove or replace the leads in the heart, are minimised or entirely eliminated with the S-ICD System.
Transvenous ICD (leads in the heart)
Pro’s
This pulse generator is smaller than the S-ICD pulse generator which may result in a less visible implanted device. This could improve the time needed to get used to the implantable device, although this is subjective.
Con’s
The lead goes into the vein and heart and will grow into it. This can increase the chance of complications when it needs to be removed or replaced. Because the lead needs to go into the heart it needs to be relatively thin and flexible. This makes the lead more vulnerable for lead fracture (and therefore complications).
The S-ICD (Subcutaneous ICD)
Pro’s
The lead does not go into the heart which means it leaves the vein and heart completely intact. This reduces chance of complications (e.g. systemic infections). Because the lead does not go into the heart it can be thicker and more robust. This strongly reduces the chance of lead fracture.
Con’s
The pulse generator can be larger which could result in a longer time needed to get used to it, although this is subjective. Depending on the physique of a person, the S-ICD can be more visible with bare chest.
Implant procedure ICD versus S-ICD
| Transvenous ICD implant procedure | Subcutaneous ICD implant procedure |
|---|---|
| A transvenous ICD is implanted in the left shoulder area, near the collarbone. | In contrast to a transvenous ICD, the pulse generator is implanted on the left side of the chest next to the rib cage and the lead is implanted just under the skin above the breastbone. |
| Using X-ray imaging, the leads are fed through a vein into the heart and across the heart valve. | Guided by anatomical landmarks, the Subcutaneous ICD electrode is placed under the skin. The Subcutaneous ICD delivers therapy without the need for wires implanted in the heart. |
| Depending on your heart condition, 1, 2 or 3 leads will be placed in the heart. Once the leads are put in place, they are attached to the heart wall for optimal connectivity. | The Subcutaneous ICD leaves the heart and blood vessels untouched and intact. |