Pacemakers and defibrillators are both cardiac implantable electronic devices – they are used to protect the heart from slow heart rhythms, fast heart rhythms, and in some cases help the heart pump better. Dr. Bruce Wilkoff, Director of Cardiac Pacing & Tachyarrhythmia Devices at the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, explains the differences in these devices.
