My doctor has recommended that I consider having one of these implanted. He gave me some literature to read and I have some serious questions about them. It appears from the literature that these are used primarily for people who have problems with irregular heart beats. My problem is that my heart is failing. I have also seen advertisements that there are lawsuits concerning these devices. Have any of you had these implanted or know anyone who has had them implanted and if so what were their heart problem and the results they experienced after having one implanted? Thanks in advance for your responses. :wave:

Most folks do well w/ICD implants. Newer devices (so called biventricular devices) can help "resynchronize" the center and side walls of the main pumping chamber of the heart to actually help it beat more efficiently. About 66% of patients with heart failure note improvement in their symptoms with this therapy. Importantly, ICD's act as an "insurance policy" to prevent sudden cardiac death from rapid heart rhythms, and there is GOOD data to demonstrate a SIGNIFICANT (23%) improvement in survival of patients with ICD's over patients who are treated with medications alone.

More helpful info can be found at MedTees.com - funny site devoted to patients with chronic medical illnesses. It has GOOD Tutorials on ICD's and the recent ICD recalls under their "tutorials" section.

All the best-

Boombox58

Thank you for your reply to my post. I saw my other cardiac doctor today and he said that we would not consider this device at this time. He feels that it would not be appropriate for me unless my condition worsens. Thanks again for your reply, it was very helpful. :)