Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Procedures
Implantible Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
During Your ICD Implant
Your nurse will prepare you for the ICD implant procedure by:
- Asking you to remove all jewelry, dentures, prostheses, and contact lenses. You may wear glasses during the procedure.
- Applying the automatic blood pressure cuff and heart monitor to your arm, and attaching a small clip to your finger to monitor your oxygen level.
- Inserting an intravenous line (IV) into your forearm to provide medications (including anesthesia) and fluids during and following the procedure.
- Inserting a catheter into the bladder to drain urine during
the procedure.
The doctor will thoroughly explain the procedure and answer any questions before starting. The doctor will then begin the procedure, which usually takes 2-3 hours. If you need anything or experience any discomfort, please tell your nurse.
Care Following Your ICD Implant