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Defibrillators

Did you know a ventricular arrhythmia can cause sudden cardiac arrest?

If you already have a defibrillator and need support, please visit defibrillators device support page.

Causes and risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur in people of any age, gender, race, and even those who seem to be in good health. Professional athletes at the peak of fitness have been known to die suddenly during sporting events. In many cases, this is the result of sudden cardiac arrest.

Athletic man running in winter.

Most cases of sudden cardiac arrest are caused by a type of irregular heartbeat (or arrhythmia) known as ventricular fibrillation. Your heart has two lower chambers called ventricles. During ventricular fibrillation, these ventricles beat very fast and irregularly. This causes little or no blood to be pumped through the body. If not treated within a few minutes, death may occur.

Problems with the heart’s electrical system can also cause sudden cardiac arrest. If the heart’s electrical signals become slow, stop, or if the heart muscle doesn’t respond to these electrical signals, sudden arrest can occur.

 


Common risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest

Most heart and blood vessel diseases can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.¹ In the same way, many heart disease risk factors are also risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. Common risk factors include.

  • Coronary heart disease
  • History of cardiac arrhythmias: Afib or Long-QT
  • Prior heart attack
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve disease
  • Congenital heart defect
  • Excessive alcoholic intake; cocaine; amphetamines
  • Age
  • Family history

More ways to explore


Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Important Safety Information

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is designed to monitor and treat heart rhythm problems, greatly reducing the risks associated with them. These devices are sensitive to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be affected by certain sources of electric or magnetic fields. Some of the risks encountered during the implant procedure include, but are not limited to, the following: Bleeding, formation of a blood clot, damage to adjacent structures (tendons, muscles, nerves), puncture of a lung or vein, damage to the heart (perforation or tissue damage), dangerous arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, death. Some of the risks encountered after the ICD system is implanted may include, but are not limited to, the following: Infection, erosion of the skin near your device, lead(s) may move out of place in the heart, device may move from the original implant site, difficulty coping with having an implanted device. The device might be prevented from shocking or pacing due to electromagnetic interference. Electrodes on the lead or the pacing pulses may cause an irritation or damaging effect on the surrounding tissues, including heart tissue and nerves. You may receive a shock or pacing therapy when it is not needed (unnecessary therapy). The device might not be able to detect or appropriately treat your heart rhythms. The device may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. With all medical procedures there are risks associated. In rare cases device failure or death can occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of this system. To obtain a copy of the device Patient Handbook for more detailed device safety information, go to www.bostonscientific.com, or you can request a copy by calling 1-866-484-3268 or writing to Boston Scientific, 4100 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55112. Rx only

S-ICD™ System
Important Safety Information

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is designed to monitor and treat heart rhythm problems, greatly reducing the risks associated with them. These devices are sensitive to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be affected by certain sources of electric or magnetic fields. As with all ICD systems, there are risks associated with the S-ICD System. Some of the risks that may be encountered during the implant procedure include the following: Formation of a blood clot; damage to adjacent structures (tendons, muscles, nerves); injury to or pain in upper extremity including clavicle, shoulder, and arm; dangerous arrhythmias; stroke. After the system is implanted, other infrequent risks may occur, including: Infection; erosion of the skin near your device; electrode and device may move out of place; fainting (syncope); delivery of a shock or therapy when it is not needed (unnecessary therapy); inability to detect or appropriately treat your heart rhythms due to electromagnetic interference or malfunction; difficulty coping with having an implanted device; bleeding or formation of a blood clot (hematoma); pain and discomfort; injury to or pain in upper extremity including clavicle, shoulder, and arm; allergic reaction; need for surgical replacement. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. In rare cases severe complications can occur, such as device failures or death. Your physician should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you and describe the appropriate medical care. Refer to the product labeling for specific indications, contraindications, warnings/precautions and adverse events. Rx only

Device Quality and Reliability

It is Boston Scientific’s intent to provide implantable devices of high quality and reliability. However, these devices may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. Refer to Boston Scientific’s CRM product performance report on www.bostonscientific.com for more information about device performance, including the types and rates of malfunctions that these devices have experienced historically. While historical data may not be predictive of future device performance, such data can provide important context for understanding the overall reliability of these types of products. Also, it is important that you talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of a device. 

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References


1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/scda/scda_whatis.html. Accessed Sep 1st, 2023.