What Are They?
These are devices that are placed under a persons skin with wires going to the heart to treat heart rhythm problems.
How Are They Done?
The device is placed under the skin by the doctor making a small incision in the skin. Wires are the feed into the heart through a vein and attached back to the device. These then monitor the heart beat and will attempt to fix abnormal heart rhythm and rate.
Why Are They Done?
Pacemakers are used to try and ensure the heart will not go too slowly. Automatic implanted defibrillators are used to treat potentially life threatening fast heart beats originating from the bottom chambers of the heart, either through pacing or by giving the person a large burst of electricity to try and get the heart rhythm back to normal.