How does an extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) work?

Extravascular ICDs monitor a patient’s heartbeat 24 hours a day. If the heart is beating too fast or is not beating regularly, some extravascular ICDs first send small electrical signals to correct the heart rate. This is called antitachycardia pacing or ATP. If the fast heartbeat continues, the device then sends a shock to reset the normal heartbeat. This shock is called defibrillation.

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