Glenn Reynolds reports this afternoon (here and here) that his wife Helen needs an implantable pacemaker/cardioverter. A pacemaker regulates a heart that is beating too slowly. I believe a cardioverter regulates a heart that beats too quickly.
Glenn remarks that it’s bad news she needs the device, but good news that it’s available. Absolutely. A similar device has literally kept my father-in-law alive for four years now, but he wasn’t excited about needing it.
It’s remarkable how routine this procedure has become.
Most often, defibrillators are implanted in a surgical procedure, with an incision made in the upper part of the chest. Local anesthesia is frequently used and the surgery is often an outpatient procedure.
Helen has our prayers and well wishes. Get well soon!
More information here.