Medtronic Attorneys, Williams Kherkher

Implantation Process of Internal Defibrillators

The process for implanting an internal defibrillator is quite similar to that of a Pacemaker.

During the procedure, the right or left side of the patient’s body is shaved and cleaned from the neck down. Monitors are then attached and a central line is started to provide fluids, antibiotics, and medication. Another line is commonly started via an artery to monitor blood pressure and test oxygen levels in the blood during surgery. The patient is also connected to machines that monitor heart rate and electrical activity, to show the leads on an x-ray machine as they are inserted into the heart muscle, and, if necessary, to help the patient breath during surgery.

At the start of the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision below the collarbone. Next, a pocket-like space is created just beneath the skin to hold the generator for the defibrillator. The lead is then fed into a vein. One end is attached to the heart muscle while the other is attached to the generator. The generator is set to correct heart rhythm issues and is then placed under the skin into its pocket-like home. Following this step, the original incision is closed and covered by sterile bandages.

The procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours and is often performed under general anesthesia.

If you or someone you know has been treated with a Medtronic implantable defibrillator, contact the Medtronic lawyers of Williams Kherkher in Houston at 800-761-3187 to schedule your consultation.