A defibrillator implant is a device that can be placed under the skin of the chest to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. In the event of life-threatening changes in heart rhythm, the defibrillator implant will send small pulses of electricity or higher energy shocks to your heart to return it to a normal heart rhythm. The defibrillator unit itself consists of an impulse generator, batteries, and electrodes. The device can be implanted a number of ways including incisions on your breastbone and your collarbone. Sometimes defibrillator implants are implanted during open heart surgery for other heart problems.

Defibrillator implants may be advised for the following:

• Patients who have had episodes of serious heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm).
• Patients who have had a heart attack and are at high risk for sudden cardiac death.
• Patients who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - a complex heart disease characterized by thickening of the heart muscle and ventricular stiffness.
• Patients with at least one episode of ventricular tachycardia - rapid heartbeat in the ventricles of the heart.

Alternative treatments include drug therapy and surgical correction.

Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

You may be in the hospital for a few days after surgery depending on how your surgery went. Once discharged, you should have a speedy recovery. Don't lift any object more than 20 pounds until you are fully recovered. Avoid strenuous activity especially upper body activity for a week after surgery. Also, do not shower for five days after your implant to protect your incision.

You should be able to return to your normal activities quickly, but discuss your activity routines with your doctor for good measure.

Your doctor will test your defibrillator after surgery to ensure it is working properly.

A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Defibrillator Implant, includes costs for:

• Upgrading implant device
• Implanting single or dual chamber electrode pacemaker, pacing defibrillator device, or generator pacing defibrillator
• Inserting electrode and/or pulse generator into pericardium via thoracotomy
• and Inserting or repositioning the lead(s).