Treatments
ICD Implantation in India
Quick answer
ICD implantation fits an implantable cardioverter defibrillator under the skin to detect dangerous fast heart rhythms and shock the heart back to normal. It protects people at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, including those with weak heart muscle or past ventricular tachycardia. Most stay in hospital briefly and fly home within about a week.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-27
العربية · Български · বাংলা · English · Español · Français · हिन्दी · Português · Română · Русский · Shqip · Oʻzbekcha
At a glance
Cost of icd implantation in India
Hospital-listed package prices range from $2,450 to $18,000 across 3 sources (latest retrieved 2026-10-23). The final figure depends on the hospital, room category, implants and length of stay; every quote we send is in writing from the hospital.
| Hospital / source | City | Price | Includes | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakra World Hospital | Bengaluru | $2,450–$2,900 | Hospital treatment for the stated inpatient stay; American implants; stay outside hospital not covered | retrieved 2026-10-23 |
| Published estimate | India | $8,000–$18,000 | 2026 | |
| Max Healthcare (Max Super Speciality Hospitals network) | Delhi NCR | $10,000 | retrieved 2026-10-23 |
An ICD continuously monitors the heart. If it detects ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, it can deliver rapid pacing or an electric shock to restore normal rhythm. It also works as a pacemaker if the heart becomes slow.
Traditional ICDs have leads in the heart through a vein. Subcutaneous ICDs sit under the skin at the side of the chest, with a lead under the skin over the breastbone, avoiding leads in the blood vessels.
Who needs icd implantation
- Survivors of cardiac arrest from ventricular arrhythmias
- Sustained ventricular tachycardia
- Heart failure with markedly reduced pumping despite treatment
- Inherited conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with high risk
- Long QT or Brugada syndrome with high-risk features
How it is done
- Local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia is given.
- A pocket is created under the skin below the collarbone or at the side of the chest.
- Leads are placed in the heart through a vein or tunnelled under the skin.
- Leads are tested and connected to the device.
- The device may be tested by briefly inducing an arrhythmia under sedation.
- The pocket is stitched and shock settings are programmed.
Before you travel to India
- Echocardiogram showing pumping function
- ECGs, Holter or event recordings
- Records of cardiac arrest or arrhythmias
- Genetic test results if relevant
- Information about ICD support in your home country
Recovery and flying home
- Most patients stay in hospital for a day or two.
- Arm movement is limited for a few weeks to protect leads.
- A device check before flying confirms correct function.
- Driving restrictions apply, varying by country and reason for the ICD.
- Regular device follow-up is needed, in clinic or remotely.
Risks
- Inappropriate shocks from misread rhythms
- Infection
- Lead problems
- Bleeding
- Anxiety about shocks
Alternatives
- Medicines for arrhythmias
- Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia
- Wearable defibrillator vest as temporary protection
Conditions treated
Hospitals in India for icd implantation
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences (Narayana Health City)Bengaluru
- Marengo CIMS HospitalAhmedabad
- Fortis Hospital, MohaliChandigarh
- Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDelhi NCR
- Fortis Escorts Heart InstituteDelhi NCR
- Asian Heart Institute, MumbaiMumbai
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, PimpriPune
Specialists
- Dr Kartikeya BhargavaMedanta - The Medicity
Dr Anil SaxenaFortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla
Dr Venkat D NagarajanKokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute- Dr V RajasekharYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
- Dr K U NatarajanAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
Dr Rahul SinghalFortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur
Frequently asked questions
What does an ICD shock feel like?
Many describe it as a sudden kick in the chest. It lasts a moment. Contact your doctor after any shock.
Should I choose a transvenous or subcutaneous ICD?
Subcutaneous ICDs avoid leads in veins but cannot provide ongoing pacing. Transvenous systems can pace. The electrophysiologist recommends based on your needs.
Can I drive after ICD implantation?
Rules vary by country. There is usually a waiting period. Ask about local laws.
Will my ICD be supported when I return home?
You need a centre with a programmer for your device brand. Check availability before implantation. We can help ask hospitals about brand options.
Can an ICD be combined with heart failure pacing?
Yes, a CRT-D device combines resynchronisation pacing with defibrillation. It suits certain heart failure patients. Your doctor will advise.
Sources
- Max Healthcare International - Assured Best Cost For All Treatments
- International Patients - Cardiac Science - Sakra World Hospital
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-27. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
Get a free quote and medical opinion
Share a few details and your reports. We return written quotes from up to 3 accredited hospitals, usually within 48 hours. The service is free for patients.