The automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator (AICD): Description and guidelines for interaction during cardiac arrest

Abstract

The development and increasing use of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) represents a major therapeutic advance for management of recurrent ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. However, the AICD sensing functions that determine appropriate energy discharge may complicate resuscitation from cardiac arrest. This care report illustrates a properly functioning AICD interfering with the resuscitation of a 67-year-old man. In the presence of persistent ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation or successful conversion to a supraventricular tachycardia with pulses that exceed the rate cutoff, it may be helpful to inactivate the AICD with a magnet to prevent unneeded discharges during resuscitation and stabilization.