Understanding AICD in India: Enhancing Heart Health with Advanced Technology

When we talk about cardiac treatment, India has become highly advanced that patients worldwide come here for treatment. One such breakthrough is the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), a life-saving device that monitors and regulates heart rhythms. Isn’t it unusual or unreal? But it is beneficial and recommended for patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. AICD implantation is considered a life-changing procedure, and AICD cost in India is quite effective. 

What is AICD and its Role in Cardiac Care? 

An AICD is a tiny electronic device implanted beneath the skin in the chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity continuously. An ICD assists in continuously monitoring the heartbeat and, if necessary, administering electrical shocks to return the heart to its regular rhythm. It mainly treats potentially fatal heart rhythm disorders like ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. AICD is thought to be quite successful in preventing sudden cardiac arrest.

What are the types of Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (AICD)?

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is also called a cardiac therapy device, and the two basic types are as follows: 

• Traditional implantable cardioverter defibrillator (Traditional ICD): This device is implanted in your chest, and its wires are attached to your heart.
• Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (Subcutaneous ICD): This is an automatic device implanted under the skin on one side of the chest under the armpit and attached to an electrode. A subcutaneous ICD is a smaller device than the traditional one but is not connected to the heart.

What is the Diagnostic Procedure for an Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator? 

AICD is a severe treatment, so it is crucial to complete the diagnosis properly to initiate the treatment. Your doctor can opt for a complete physical test to understand medical health. However, the following is the most common diagnostic procedure your cardiac surgeon will follow: 

• Blood tests – It is a very common test for cardiac health to check various levels of blood parameters and the presence of any underlying medical conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems.
• Chest X-ray – This test is usually done to examine the organs near the chest area, including the heart and lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) – ECG test measures the heart’s electrical activity and helps diagnose heart problems. It is also helpful in checking if your heartbeat is normal or not. 
• Echocardiogram – In this test, mainly sound waves are used to create pictures of the heart. An echocardiogram shows the structure and shape of the heart and how blood flows through the heart. 
• Holter Monitoring – This is a tiny wearable device for a day or two to detect irregularities in the heart’s rhythm, known as Holter Monitoring.
• Event recorder – An event recorder is similar to a Holter monitor but it is worn for longer periods of time. In the event recorder, the names suggest that the patient has to press a button when feeling a symptom. 
• Electrophysiology study – One or more flexible tubes, known as catheters, are guided by the doctor through a blood vessel to the heart. Sensors at the tip of each catheter send signals and record the heart’s electrical activity. This helps to identify the area that causes the irregular heartbeat.

What is AICD Cost in India? 

AICD is a significant treatment for better heart health. Patients are usually concerned about the AICD cost in India before initiating the treatment. Patients sometimes get confused when going through the cost information online because of the diverse information with a huge difference in cost. 

AICD cost in India for Indian Patients ranges between Rs.621600 to Rs.828800. The treatment is quite expensive but effective. On the other hand, patients from many countries, mostly the West, came to India for treatment as they still get cheaper yet quality treatment here. The cost for International patients will range between USD 12600 to USD 15400. 

What is the Usual Success Rate for this Procedure?

During the treatment, we generally use to concern the success rate procedure. Coming back to AICD, the success rate for AICD will be high; to be precise, it is around 82-90 %. The patient’s life expectancy with an AICD will be 5 to 7 years apart. 

Which are the top AICD Doctors in India? 

Understanding the seriousness of AICD treatment and looking for the country’s best doctors is imperative. The top doctors mentioned below are known for their excellence in their field and compassion towards patients. Following are the best 5 doctors for AICD: 

1. Dr. T. S. Kler: Dr. T. S. Kler is a prominent Interventional Cardiologist and a pioneer in AICD implantation in India. He is the country’s first doctor to install an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Dr. Kler has served the medical field for the last 35 years. He has received major accolades such as the Padma Bhushan and the Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to medicine.
2. Dr. Nikhil Kumar: Dr. Nikhil Kumar is one of the best Interventional Cardiologists in the country. Being skilled in various cardiac operations, he is an AICD implantation specialist. Dr. Kumar has received commendations for his outstanding service from both the General Officer Commanding in Chief and the Chief of Army Staff. 
3. Dr. K. K. Saxena: Dr. K. K. Saxena is an Interventional Cardiologist with 36 years of expertise in India. His expertise includes diagnostic, clinical, interventional cardiology, and AICD implantations. He is experienced in various cardiac treatments, including balloon dilation and temporary and permanent pacemaker insertion.
4. Dr. Sunil Kumar: Dr. Sunil Kumar is a recognized Interventional Cardiologist who has served patients with credibility for 37 years. He is well-known for his competence in AICD implantations and other treatments like pacemaker implantations, balloon mitral valvotomy, angioplasty, stenting, device closures, and others. 
5. Dr. Govinda Pillai: Dr. Govinda Pillai is an Interventional Cardiologist with extensive expertise in India. He has received recognition for his competence in complicated cardiac procedures and AICD implantation. Dr. Pillai’s areas of proficiency include Stress Echocardiography, Cardiac Catheterization, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and more. 

These top AICD doctors in India are committed to providing advanced cardiac care and have significantly contributed to Interventional Cardiology. The AICD cost in India also justice the kind of advanced technology and quality treatment a patient get in India. At last, it is necessary to understand that consulting with a qualified cardiologist can provide invaluable insights and pave the way for a heart-healthy journey. And always remember that a healthy heart is the foundation of a vibrant life.