Discharge Instructions for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

You had a procedure to insert an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Once inside your body, an ICD monitors your heart rhythm (the speed and pattern of your heartbeat). If your rhythm becomes too fast, it can be deadly. The ICD helps to correct a too-fast rhythm by sending out an electrical shock. Most ICDs can also treat a heart beat that is too slow by monitoring your heart rate and sending out electrical signals as needed. ICDs help bring the rhythm back to normal. 

As you recover, follow the instructions below. Also, follow any other directions you are given.

Activity

• Do not drive until your doctor says it is OK. It is recommended that you avoid driving for 6 months after a defibrillator is implanted or if the device fires. The life threatening heart rhythms these devices treat can cause you to lose consciousness, which would be very dangerous if you are driving.
• Limit your activity as instructed.
• Do not raise your arm on the incision side above shoulder level or stretch the arm behind your back for as long as your doctor recommends. This gives the device lead wires time to attach securely inside your heart.
• Ask your doctor when you can expect to return to work and if you will have any restrictions in your work duties for any period of time.
• If you have a job that requires a commercial driver's license, you must be aware that having an ICD implanted is a restriction for this type of license.

Other precautions

• For 7 days after implantation of your device, take your temperature and check your incision for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth).
• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Do not skip doses or stop medicines without discussing this first with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are having any new symptoms that might be a side effect.
• Carry an ID card that contains information about your ICD. You should have been given a temporary ID card with information about your ICD on it. You will get a permanent one in 4 to 6 weeks. Carry this card with you. You can show this card if your ICD sets off a metal detector.
• You should also show it to avoid screening with a hand-held security wand such as those used at security check points.
• Before you receive any treatment, tell all healthcare providers (including your dentist) that you have an ICD.
• Keep your cell phone away from your ICD. Do not carry your phone in your shirt pocket, even when it is turned off.
• Avoid strong magnets. Examples are those used in MRIs or in hand-held security wands. Ask your doctor if your ICD is MRI compatible.
• Avoid strong electrical fields. Examples are those made by radio transmitting towers, “ham” radios, and heavy-duty electrical equipment.
• Avoid leaning over the open hood of a running car. A running engine creates an electrical field. Other than your car, most items around the house, such as your microwave, are perfectly safe.
• Most common yard work equipment, such as your lawn mower, are safe. If you use commercial-grade tools, such as an arc welder, check with your doctor for recommendations. 
• Make regular appointments with your doctor. He or she will check the device to make sure it continues to work properly.

Follow-up care

• Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. It is important that you follow-up with your healthcare provider on a regular basis after having an ICD implanted.

• All ICD devices that are implanted will be remotely monitored by the healthcare providers every 3 to 4 months.

• Depending on the make and model of your ICD, the remote monitoring system may transmit information over a telephone line or through the internet. This will allow your physician to monitor your heart rate and rhythm. It will also allow your cardiologist to monitor how your ICD is functioning.

• In person follow up visits for ICD device checks are usually required once a year unless otherwise indicated.

• If, for some reason, you are not able to have your device monitored remotely, you will need to have periodic checkups in your cardiologist's office to check the function and battery life of your ICD.

• On average, plan to have your device checked every 6 months. The generator battery can last as long as 5 to 7 years. When the ICD battery is running low, you will need to have the ICD replaced.

© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.