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Kardiowerter, or defibrillator implanted directly into the heart. The device is intended for people with severe heart diseases. It prevents death by sending out electrical pulses when an arrhythmia attack begins.
Cardioverter – action
The creator of the device is a Pole – Mieczysław Mirowski. Initially, the device was in the form of a matchbox and was implanted in the chest by cardiologists. Currently, a cardioverter resembles a pacemaker. It is implanted directly into the heart, and the surgery is performed by cardiologists, surgeons and electrophysiologists.
The device’s task is to detect heart rhythm disturbances. The attending physician determines the so-called detection threshold. This is the upper limit of the heart rate parameters when the heart is functioning properly, and exceeding them indicates arrhythmia. In order to determine them, the device performs an EKG. The standards must be tailored to the individual needs of the patient, because different standards are set for an athlete, a young active person, and different for an older person.
After the ECG is performed, the result is saved in the device memory so that the doctor can read it during the check. Based on the established algorithms and the defined detection threshold, the cardioverter determines whether it is necessary to send an impulse to the heart. In addition to its primary function, the cardioverter serves as a pacemaker.
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Kardiowerter – for whom?
Cardioverter is not inserted for every person with heart disease. In order to be able to apply it, some cases are listed:
- people after sudden cardiac arrest,
- patients with heart failure who experienced a severe episode of ventricular arrhythmia,
- patients with post-infarction heart failure, at least 40 days after the infarction,
- people with heart failure in class II or III without ischemic heart disease.
The course of the cardioverter implantation procedure
Patients rate the procedure as not very painful. It is performed under local anesthesia, in children – under general anesthesia. It is performed by cardiologists, operators and electrophysiologists.
After surgery, hospitalization lasts 2-3 days. In the event of complications, the hospital stay is extended. In order to check the operation of the device, doctors perform a test. Now the patient is under general, short-term anesthesia.
After discharge from the hospital, the first follow-up visit takes place after about 7 days. The seams are also removed during this time. During the first 3 months, the patient should restrict physical activity and not drive a car. After it has healed, the device is not felt.
A battery is installed in the device, thanks to which it is possible to send electrical impulses. One battery lasts approx. 4-5 years. After this time, it must be replaced. At each follow-up visit, the doctor, using a special device, can check the condition of the battery and the data stored on it – the results of the measurements taken.
Kardiowerter – recommendations and prohibitions after surgery
After healing, the patient has minor limitations. Can drive a car unless the lightning strikes are frequent. In the case of sport – he can practice it, however, it is necessary to inform the attending physician about it, so that he can adjust the device properly.
Competitive sports and martial arts are not recommended. In terms of professional work, it can be different, because professions such as a pilot are not recommended, but there are no contraindications for others (e.g. accountant, teacher). Here the problem is decided individually.
There are no restrictions on the use of electrical devices. Medical examinations are an exception. Here, you should inform the doctor about the implanted device each time.