What is an Implantable Defibrillator?

Cardiac defibrillation is a way to return an abnormally fast or disorganized heartbeat to normal with an electric shock.

An implantable cardiac defibrillator is a lifesaving device that's put inside your body.

How does it work?

• For people with very bad heart rhythm problems, a defibrillator is implanted under the skin of the abdomen and wires are run to your heart.
• New models can both give defibrillation shocks and work as a pacemaker.
• It knows when the heartbeat is not normal.
• It tries to return the heartbeat to normal.
• It works 24 hours a day.

How do I live with it?

• Visit your doctor on a regular basis.
• Talk to your doctor about your activities.
• Stay away from magnets and strong electric fields.
• At the airport, tell the guards not to use-hand held metal detector on you.
• Tell you other doctors that you have an implanted defibrillator.
• If you go to a hospital, tell the doctors and nurses that you have one.
• Carry an ID card.

AICD/Defibrillator Implant Incision Care

You have had an AICD/defibrillation system implanted.

The incision site is closed with dissolvable stitches, which means you do not have the stitches removed. At either end of the incision, there may be knots or loops under the skin. These need to be lifted and clipped by your family doctor at one week.

Over the skin site is a protective dressing. The large dressing is to come off TWO days after your surgery. There may be 7-10 skin tapes over the incision. These need to be removed in one week.

You may shower 48 hours after your implant letting water run over your incision. The shower should be short and not too long. Pat the area dry. We do not recommend a tub bath until after your incision is well healed (about one week to 10 days from the time of implant).

It is best to keep the incision open to air to speed the healing process. If you find that your clothing is irritating to the site, cover the incision with a light, clean gauze dressing.

Bruising around the incision will gradually fade away though it may still be tender for up to three months. If you notice new redness, swelling or discharge from or around the incision, please contact your family physician. If it is the weekend, please go to your local Emergency Department or Medicentre.

For the first six weeks, it is best not to over extend the arm closest to the operative site. You may comb your hair, wash your hair, use your arm at shoulder level but avoid full range of motion (e.g.) golfing, swimming, painting or reaching above your head. Vigorous physical activity of ANY kind is discouraged until you have had your first checkup with the clinic.

General Guidelines After AICD/Defibrillator Implant

1. Permission to drive a vehicle may only be given by the Defibrillator Clinic doctor.
2. Carry your AICD/Defibrillator card with you at all times. This card identifies the type of device, lead system and phone number of the EPS clinic.
3. The AICD/Defibrillator is used in the management of FAST and slow heart rates. It will not prevent the development of fast or slow heart rates nor will it cure other heart problems. You must continue to take the medications prescribed by your doctor.
4. If you should develop dizzy spells, chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or are shocked twice in a row, report to your nearest local Emergency Department for assessment. Remember if you are shocked, rest immediately for 10-15 minutes before moving.
5. If you are seeing a new physician, dentist or physiotherapist, let them know you have an AICD/Defibrillator.
6. It is safe to use household appliances. Walk through security gates in department stores; do not linger directly between them. However, before using other electrical or mechanical devices, please call the number on your card or check with the EPS clinic as the equipment may interfere with your device.
7. Following the initial visits, we will schedule appointments either every six months or more frequently as necessary. With each visit, we will check out the battery, lead quality and take other measurements of the AICD/Defibrillator.
   

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)