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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
16:40

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation

Published on: February 28, 2012

The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: management issues relevant to the emergency care provider

G L Higgins1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland 04102.

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|July 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

The automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) requires careful management in emergency settings. Deactivating the AICD generator is crucial in specific situations to prevent patient harm from appropriate or inappropriate shocks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Increasing use of automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (AICDs) in patients with refractory malignant arrhythmias.
  • Patients with AICDs frequently present to emergency departments with device-related issues.
  • Both appropriate and inappropriate AICD shocks can lead to adverse patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • The need for AICD generator deactivation in specific clinical scenarios.
  • Importance of a controlled medical environment for AICD management.
  • Emergent management considerations for AICD patients.

Findings:

  • AICD deactivation is indicated in certain conditions to ensure patient safety.
  • Proper medical environment is essential for safe AICD generator deactivation.
  • This report addresses critical emergent management issues for AICDs.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of understanding AICD function and management in emergencies.
  • Provides guidance for healthcare professionals dealing with AICD-related emergencies.
  • Emphasizes patient safety when managing patients with AICDs.

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