An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that uses electrical pulses or shocks to help control abnormal heart rhythms, especially ones that can be life-threatening.  An ICD continuously checks the heart's rhythm. If the ICD detects a life-threatening rapid heart rhythm, it sends an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. The device then goes back to its watchful mode. An ICD is implanted under the skin in the chest. Wires threaded through a large vein connect the device to the heart. 

A biventricular ICD (BiV ICD) is a special kind of implanted defibrillator that has an extra or left ventricular lead that is inserted. This special device sends small electrical impulses through the leads which allow the right and left ventricles to pump together. This therapy has been shown to improve the symptoms of heart failure and overall quality of life in certain patients with severe symptoms that are not controlled with medication.

Michigan Heart Rhythm Group has board-certified electrophysiologists that have been performing this procedure for many years.

To schedule your appointment, call 248-267-5050 or request your appointment online.