Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Procedures
Implantible Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
Discharge Instructions for ICD Implant
Following your ICD implant, your doctor will have a few instructions for you to follow when you return home, including:
- Keep the incision dry for five days. You may shower on the sixth day after the procedure.
- Remove the bandage over the incision five days after the procedure.
- Do not remove the steri-strips (used instead of stitches). These will fall off in two to four weeks.
- Do not raise your elbow on the side of the ICD implant above shoulder level for 4-6 weeks, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
- No heavy lifting (no more than 10 pounds) for one week.
- No driving for one week.
Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Extreme weakness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Any signs of infection of the incision (redness, swelling, fever, etc.)
What To Do If You Receive a Shock
If you are shocked, sit down. If your pulse is regular and you do not have any symptoms described below, notify your physician. If you have no symptoms, you may wait until the morning to notify our office. Your doctor will probably want to evaluate you after any shocks.
If you receive more than one shock, you must see a physician as soon as possible.
If your pulse is irregular or you experience any of the following symptoms, call an ambulance (or 911) immediately - you must see a physician as soon as possible. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Signs of possible heart rhythm disturbance:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain/pressure
- Weakness
- Rapid irregular heart rate (palpitations)
- Temporary blind spots