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IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER - DEFIBRILLATOR ("ICD")
Great advances have been made to miniaturize these sophisticated devices to a size slightly larger than a regular pacemaker. ICDs continuously monitor the heart rhythm to detect abnormal rhythms. The internal computer decides the best treatment, either pacing the heart or delivering a small electrical "shock" (like having internal paramedics!). Only a few years ago, the implantation of these devices required a major surgical intervention (open-heart surgery). However, now they are done in the Cath Lab under local anesthetic.