You Asked. We Answered.

What You Should Know After Your
Defibrillator Implant

You just received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)�perhaps for an abnormally fast heartbeat (arrhythmia) or other heart condition. Now what?

Talk to your
doctor about
important safety
information.

Most likely, you will be able to continue many of the activities you enjoyed before your implant. And you can do so knowing that your ICD—sometimes just called a defibrillator— is designed to detect arrhythmias. Your doctor can program your defibrillator to send small pulses of electricity or higher energy shocks—or both—to your heart when needed to return your heart rhythm to normal.

In this issue, LifeBeat Online answers some common questions about ICDs. If you have questions about your defibrillator that are not answered here, you can always call Patient Services at 1.866.484.3268. Always ask your doctor any questions about your medical condition.

Can I go back to my normal activities after my implant?

There are few activities that will be off limits to you because you have a defibrillator. Your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous activity (especially upper body activity) just after surgery. Doing so helps ensure your lead(s) has time to firmly attach to your heart tissue. After that, you will likely be able to do all of the things you did before your implant. But each person is different. Talk with your doctor to understand the amount of physical activity that’s right for you.

What does my defibrillator feel like when it's working?

Your doctor programmed your defibrillator to best treat your condition. The type of therapy you receive depends on your heart rhythm and your device's programming:

Antitachycardia pacing (ATP)�Most patients do not feel ATP.
Full-energy shocks—Most patients do feel shock therapy. The feeling varies from person to person and can even be different for the same patient at different times. Some patients have described the shock as a small thump in the chest. Others have described an uncomfortable feeling like getting kicked in the chest. This sensation lasts only a moment.

You may feel upset if you receive a shock from your defibrillator. Because the shock can be unexpected, it's only natural to feel anxious for a little while. Talk to your doctor to find out how your defibrillator is programmed, what to expect, and what steps to take if you feel a shock.

Is it safe for me to use electrical appliances or have x-rays?

Your defibrillator is designed to work properly around most appliances and equipment. Most things you handle or work near every day will not cause a problem. However, some strong electrical or magnetic fields may affect your defibrillator. The effects are usually temporary. If you hear your defibrillator beeping, immediately move away from the source of the interference and call your doctor.

Several medical and dental procedures require special precautions to prevent device interference. If you have questions about a specific appliance, tool, medical procedure, or piece of equipment, talk with your doctor, or call us at 1.866.484.3268. You can also learn more about sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Check with your doctor to see if you have any other restrictions.

When should I call my doctor?

Your doctor should discuss a plan with you so you know when to call. As a general rule, you should always call your doctor if you have questions about your device, heart rhythm, or medications, or if you:

Notice any swelling, redness or drainage from your implant incision
Develop a fever that does not go away in 2 or 3 days
Receive any shocks from your device and have been told to call
Have symptoms of an arrhythmia and have been told to call
Notice anything unusual or unexpected�such as new symptoms or symptoms like the ones you had before your implant
Hear your defibrillator beeping
Plan to travel or move

Always call 911 (in the United States) if you feel light-headed or dizzy after you receive a shock.

How often should my defibrillator be checked?

Most ICD patients have their devices checked every 3 months. Your doctor will determine a follow-up schedule that is best for you.

Will my defibrillator ever need to be replaced?

Eventually, yes. Your defibrillator runs on a battery. Like all batteries, the battery in your defibrillator will eventually wear out. At each follow-up visit, your doctor or nurse will check your device battery. When the battery power reaches a certain point, your defibrillator will need to be replaced.

Doctors make it a high priority to replace defibrillators while they are still working correctly. Your doctor can program your defibrillator to beep when it is almost time to replace it. If you hear your defibrillator beeping, call your doctor immediately.

Now that I have a defibrillator, can I still drive my car?

It depends on the driving laws where you live. It also depends on your unique symptoms. Ask your doctor what's best for you.

Now that I have a defibrillator, can I resume sexual intimacy?

For most patients, sexual intimacy is not a medical risk. The natural heart rate increase that occurs during sex is the same as the heart rate increase that occurs when you exercise. Exercise testing at the hospital will help your doctor program your defibrillator so you don't get a shock during sex. If you do get a shock, your partner may feel a tingling sensation. The sensation is not harmful to your partner. Be sure to let your doctor know if you get a shock during sex. Your doctor may want to reprogram your device.

When will I get my permanent Medical Device ID card?

Boston Scientific mails your permanent Medical Device Identification (ID) card to you 6 to 8 weeks after your implant. This card helps identify you as a patient with an implanted medical device (pacemaker, defibrillator, or lead wire). If you do not receive your permanent card within 8 weeks, you can call us at 1.866.484.3268 to order a card.

Do I need a special Medical Device ID card when I travel?

A special card isn't necessary, but one is available. The card explains that your defibrillator may trigger airport security alarms. You can hand the card to security staff at the airport. The warning is printed in several languages. (See Sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) for more information about airport security systems.) You can order a Medical Device Patient Travel Card by calling 1.866.484.3268.

Even if you have a Medical Device Patient Travel card, be sure to carry your Medical Device ID card with you at all times.

How can I find a doctor when I'm traveling?

Visit the Travel With Your Device section of our website to find medical device facilities worldwide that have treated patients with Boston Scientific (formerly Guidant) products. Doctors at these facilities can help you with your device.

How can I find a patient support group?

You may find it helpful to talk with other defibrillator patients while adjusting to your new device. Ask your doctor, nurse, or your doctor’s Boston Scientific representative if there is a patient support group in your area.