Living with Your Heart Defibrillator

Most doctors—and their heart patients agree—an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving device, however, it’s also important to be aware of some of the challenges this device may present. This is especially true in light of the Medtronic recall of Sprint Fidelis leads that has affected many heart patients around the country.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is used to regulate a heartbeat that is too fast or not steady enough to effectively pump blood through the heart chambers. When this irregular heartbeat occurs, the heart may completely stop, resulting in cardiac arrest. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator monitors the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electric shock when needed to jolt the heart back into a normal beat pattern.

Many patients with who have either survived cardiac arrest or who have heart conditions that put them at risk for cardiac arrest see the ICD as a guard that stands between them and sudden death.

In the early days right after the ICD is implanted, the patient may have numerous restrictions. Exercise and movement around the incision site may be discouraged, but patients often return to regular activities within a few weeks.

People with an ICD need to avoid close contact with certain electric sources. Cell phones, for example, should not be used or held near the chest. The ICD may pick up the cell phone signal and mistake it for the heartbeat, and deliver an electric shock unnecessarily. Other electric sources to avoid include MRIs, heavy-duty electrical powered equipment, store theft detector gates and airport security gates.

One of the most problematic restrictions is the limitation on driving. Patients who have had the ICD implanted as a preventative measure may be able to drive as soon as a week after the procedure. But patients who have had the ICD implanted after an episode of irregular heart rhythm may need to wait at least six months before driving. If they receive an electric shock during this time, they will need to wait another six months. This restriction is designed to protect a driver, passenger and bystanders in case the driver becomes dizzy, faint, or distracted by an electric jolt while behind the wheel. Some patients affected by the Medtronic lead recall have experienced unnecessary shocks due to a lead fracture.

Patients who receive an ICD will need continuing care from their doctor to monitor the device. If all is going well, they may continue to see the doctor every one to three months in order to run diagnostics on the device. The ICD battery lasts about seven years, and can be replaced in a simple procedure. The quality and quantity of life can be greatly improved with an ICD. Talk with your doctor about the advantages, restrictions and risks so you will be prepared for this device.

About the Author:

David Whitney is the author of this article on Medtronic recall infusion. Find more information about Medtronic recall here.