ICD Defribrillator

Derek F

"geardown" <webmaster@badengineering.spamtrap.org.uk> wrote in message
news:wf6Wa.139$Ar3.1332343@news-text.cableinet.net...
>
> "Derek F" <lordpilrig@btinternet.com> wrote in message
> news:bgalom$mekqv$1@ID-107529.news.uni-berlin.de...
> > A UK friend with a Pacemaker received a form to fill in for his driving
> > license renewal as he is approaching 70. The form also mentioned an ICD
> > Defrbillator in the same context as a Pacemaker, what is the difference
> > between the devices.
> > Derek.
>
> I think I can answer this one...
>
> A pacemaker simply makes sure that the heart muscle contraction sequence
> starts regularly and reliably when the heart's own pacemaker mechanism is
> somehow broken. An ICD does four things:
>
> Pacing. If you have ventricular tachycardia that isn't too fast, the ICD
can
> deliver several pacing signals in a row. When those signals stop, the
heart
> may go back to a normal rhythm.
>
> Cardioversion. If the pacing doesn't work, cardioversion can be used. In
> cardioversion, a mild shock is sent to the heart to stop the fast
heartbeat.
>
> Defibrillation. If ventricular fibrillation is detected, a stronger shock
is
> sent. This stronger shock can stop the fast rhythm and help the heartbeat
go
> back to normal.
>
> Pacemaker. The ICD can also see when your heart beats too slowly. It can
act
> like a pacemaker and bring your heart rate up to normal.
>
> The trouble is that if the defibrillator is triggered it's apparently like
> being kicked in the chest by a mule. Not good if you are driving. The UK
> DVLA has rules about ICD's. Take a look at
> http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/cache/-127205303.htm
>
> Also take a look at:
> http://www.dvla.gov.uk/at_a_glance/ch2_cardiovascular.htm
>
> Hope this helps.
>
>
Thank you, that is about what I suggested to him and strangely enough in
last nights episode of ER (in the UK) a patient was to be fitted with one.
Derek.