Heart Failure / ICD

Devices

Here at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital we see patients who require an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or biventricular ICD / pacemaker, including:

post myocardial infarction (MI) patients with a history of, or who are at risk of, life threatening arrhythmias
heart failure patients with proven ventricular dyssynchrony and poor left ventricular function
patients with genetic syndromes such as Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy)
patients with dilated cardiomyopathy often awaiting cardiac transplant.

Patients are either seen pre-admission in clinic or receive a pre-admission phonecall. This is to discuss any tests that are required, instructions regarding medications and to answer any questions.

Patients transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital from other hospitals are seen on the ward, and all patients are seen, often with their families, to discuss any further questions they may have while they are admitted. On discharge, patients will be given a comprehensive information pack and details of our out-of-hours 24-hour helpline.

About ICDs

Please take a look at our Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator patient information leaflet.
Speak to one of our Cardiac Device Specialist Nurses by calling: 0151 600 1270 or 0151 600 1336, between 9am-5pm on Monday-Friday
If you need any advice out-of-hours, contact our Coronary Care Unit on 0151 600 1173 or call our Pacing Clinic on: 0151 600 1712.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICDs.
Alternatively further information is available on the following websites:

The Clinical Psychologist often works closely with Nurse Specialists to support people who are about to receive or who already have an ICD.
The Clinical Psychologist’s role is to help people cope with emotional and psychological aspects of living with a device.
Usually, the Clinical Psychologist meets with the patient for an assessment to understand the patient’s current concerns, circumstances and hopes for the future.
Sometimes the Clinical Psychologist may think that involving other members of the team would be helpful to solve problems, but this will be discussed and agreed with the patient first.

Heart Failure / ICD

What is an ICD?

Why do I need an ICD?

What does an ICD do?

Collaboration with pacing department

Research

Patient Support

Clinical Psychologist