Cardioversion

If pacing does not stop ventricular tachycardia (VT), the ICD can be programmed to deliver stronger impulses. Cardioversion is a low or high energy shock that is timed to the patient's heart rhythm to stop VT. Patients often describe cardioversion therapy

If pacing does not stop ventricular tachycardia (VT), the ICD can be programmed to deliver stronger impulses. Cardioversion is a low or high energy shock that is timed to the patient's heart rhythm to stop VT. Patients often describe cardioversion therapy as a "kick in the chest" that causes some discomfort. Others describe the sensation as painful, but fleeting.

However, for fast VT episodes and episodes that do not respond to antitachycardia pacing, physicians use cardioversion as a backup.