User:Baijensrob/sandbox/S-ICD defibrillator

The S-ICD patient-information website provides more information, including pictures of patients who have Subcutaneous ICD fitted and videos of patients talking about their experience of living with an Subcutaneous ICD.

TRADITIONAL ICD

Pro’s

The pulse generator is smaller than the S-ICD pulse generator which may result in a less visible implanted device this could improve the time needed to get used to the implantable device, although this is subjective

Con’s

The lead goes into the vein and heart and will grow into it. This will increase the chance of complications when it needs to be removed or replaced. Because the lead needs to go into the heart it needs to be relatively thin and flexible. This makes the lead more vulnerable for lead fracture (and therefore complications).

S-ICD

Pro’s

The lead does not go into the heart which means it leaves the vein and heart completely intact. This reduces chance of complications (e.g systemic infections). Because the lead does not go into the heart it can be thicker and more robust. This strongly reduces the chance of lead fracture.

Con’s

The pulse generator can be larger which could result in a longer time needed to get used to it, although this is subjective. Depending on the physique of a person, the S-ICD can be more visible with bare chest