Cardiac Rhythm Management is a procedure wherein a device is implanted within the upper chest to control both fast and slow cardiac rhythm by using electrical pulses. Examples of devices used are:
An implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device that is implanted in a patient's body to help control the heart's rhythm. ICDs are extremely effective at stopping dangerous arrhythmias and are the most effective therapy for treating ventricular fibrillation, the major cause of sudden cardiac death. The ICD continuously monitors the heart rhythm and delivers a "pacemaker" shock when the heart rhythm gets too slow. If the heart rhythm gets dangerously fast, the ICD can deliver a life-saving shock that returns the heart to a normal rhythm.
The heart has a natural "pacemaker" that regulates electrical impulses in the heart. This natural"pacemaker" is called the sinoatrial node. But sometimes the sinoatrial node does not work properly and an artificial pacemaker is needed to regulate the heart's rhythm. An implantable pacemaker device continuously monitors the rhythm of the heart and transmits electrical impulses to stimulate the heart if it is beating too slowly or unevenly.
Bi-Ventricular devices stimulate the left and right ventricles simultaneously, the bi-ventricular pacing system resynchronizes the heart and dramatically improves the heart's ability to pump blood through the body.