Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
ECT and automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator
M I Lapid1, T A Rummans, V E Hofmann
1Department of Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a relatively safe and effective treatment even in depressed patients with preexisting cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about its use in patients with automatic internal cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD). This case report describes a successful administration of ECT in a treatment-refractory depressed patient with an AICD, where the AICD device was deactivated during each ECT treatments and reactivated immediately upon completion of each treatment. The presence of an AICD should not be a contraindication to receiving ECT.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

