Which device, when implanted, can deliver a life-saving shock to restore normal rhythm?

Which device, when implanted, can deliver a life-saving shock to restore normal rhythm?

• A. Automatic Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator
• B. External Defibrillator
• C. Pacemaker
• D. Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Answer: (A)

Implanted defibrillators are designed to monitor heart rhythm and deliver a high-energy shock when a life-threatening arrhythmia is detected, with the goal of restoring a normal rhythm. An implanted cardioverter-defibrillator sits under the skin with leads to the heart and can shock to terminate dangerous rhythms like ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia. Some models also provide pacing if the heart rate is too slow. In contrast, an external defibrillator is used outside the body in emergencies, and a pacemaker only provides pacing without defibrillation. The standard term for this implanted device is implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which is why it is the correct concept here.

Implanted defibrillators are designed to monitor heart rhythm and deliver a high-energy shock when a life-threatening arrhythmia is detected, with the goal of restoring a normal rhythm. An implanted cardioverter-defibrillator sits under the skin with leads to the heart and can shock to terminate dangerous rhythms like ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia. Some models also provide pacing if the heart rate is too slow. In contrast, an external defibrillator is used outside the body in emergencies, and a pacemaker only provides pacing without defibrillation. The standard term for this implanted device is implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, which is why it is the correct concept here.