MyHeartDiseaseTeam

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device that helps control life-threatening arrhythmias and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Here’s what to expect:

Procedure
- The ICD is placed under the skin of the chest or abdomen.
- You will likely be sedated but awake, with local numbing Show Full Answer

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device that helps control life-threatening arrhythmias and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Here’s what to expect:

Procedure:
- The ICD is placed under the skin of the chest or abdomen.
- You will likely be sedated but awake, with local numbing medication.
- If the ICD involves wires, they will be inserted through a blood vessel to the heart.

Recovery:
- Expect to spend a day or two in the hospital.
- Normal activities can usually be resumed within four weeks.

Precautions:
- Keep cell phones, portable music players, headphones, and magnets at least six inches away from the ICD.
- Stay at least two feet away from generators and high-voltage transformers.
- Inform medical and security personnel about the ICD.

Complications:
- Rare but serious complications include bleeding, infection, damage to blood vessels or heart valves, puncture of the heart, blood clots, narrowing of the pulmonary veins, kidney damage, stroke, heart attack, or death.

Driving:
- Driving may be restricted for several months post-procedure, and obtaining a commercial driver’s license may not be possible.

For more details, you can visit the provided resources on ICDs.

 This AI-generated response comes from MyHeartDiseaseTeam and other selected sources. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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