Although rare, deaths can occur if an ICD fails to work when needed.
Sudden death in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients
: Historically, some deaths have been linked to lead failure (broken wires) or pulse generator malfunctions. defibrillator death
Defibrillators (both external AEDs and internal ICDs) are life-saving tools designed to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) by restoring a normal heart rhythm through an electric shock. While they do not directly cause death, "defibrillator death" usually refers to situations where the device is deactivated during end-of-life care, fails due to technical issues, or is unable to stop a terminal cardiac event. End-of-Life & Deactivation
For patients with an who are terminally ill or nearing natural death, the device can become a burden rather than a benefit. Although rare, deaths can occur if an ICD
: Some argue that defibrillators can take away the possibility of a "quick and painless" sudden death, instead prolonging a difficult dying process from other non-cardiac causes. Effectiveness of Emergency Defibrillation (AEDs)
: Turning off an ICD does not cause immediate death. It simply ensures that the patient will not receive unnecessary shocks during their final moments. While they do not directly cause death, "defibrillator
When a person suffers a cardiac arrest in public, the use of an is critical to survival.