ICDs

ICDs is an acronym commonly used in healthcare to denote more than one concept. The two most widespread meanings are implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and the International Classification of Diseases.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are small electronic devices implanted under the skin near the chest. They monitor heart rhythm and can deliver therapies, including antitachycardia pacing and one or more shocks, to restore a normal rate during dangerous arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. A typical system consists of a pulse generator connected to one or more leads that reach the heart. Indications include primary prevention in patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (for example, certain patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction) and secondary prevention after a life-threatening arrhythmia. Management requires regular follow-up, device checks, and battery replacement when needed. Potential risks include infection, lead fracture or displacement, inappropriate shocks, pneumothorax, bleeding, and device malfunction. The decision to implant an ICD depends on medical history, comorbidities, life expectancy, and patient preferences.

International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a global standard for coding health conditions and related problems. Maintained by the World Health Organization, the ICD is used for clinical documentation, billing, epidemiology, and health statistics. The current widely used versions include ICD-10-CM for diagnoses and ICD-10-PCS for procedures in many countries; ICD-11, released by WHO in 2018, builds on ICD-10 with expanded detail and digital-friendly coding. Codes are organized by chapters corresponding to body systems and conditions, with alphanumeric codes that vary in length. Applications include tracking disease incidence and outcomes, supporting reimbursement decisions, and guiding public health planning. Limitations include dependence on accurate clinical documentation, the need for periodic updates, potential coding variations across jurisdictions, and the complexity of mapping between ICD versions.