Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (cont.)
Living with an ICD.
After recovering fully from the ICD implantation, most
patients can resume normal activities, including exercise
and sex. The doctor should prescribe the type and intensity
of the exercise. The doctor also decides when the patient
can return to work.
Every patient is given an ICD identification card. The
ID card contains information regarding the ICD and
instructions in case of an emergency. The card should be
carried in the patient's wallet at all times and shown to
other doctors and dentists. Occasionally, it will need to
be shown to security officers at the airport.
What outside electrical sources are safe?
ICDs are well protected from most household electrical
appliances in good condition such as radios, televisions,
stereos, microwave ovens, electrical blankets, computers,
vacuum cleaners, etc.
What outside electrical sources
can interfere with the ICD?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) is a diagnostic
test for studying the brain, the joints, the spine, the
liver, and other organs. The strong magnetic field from the
MRI scan can interfere with ICDs. Patients with ICDs should
not undergo MRI scanning.
Digital cellular phones can interfere with ICDs.
Therefore, the cellular phone should be held on the ear
opposite from the side of the ICD. Do not carry the
cellular phone in the pocket near the chest.
Theft detector gates in certain stores can generate
signals that interfere with the ICD. While it is safe for
patients with ICDs to quickly walk through these gates,
they should not stand at or near the gates.
Similarly, the metal detector gates at airports can send
strong signals that interfere with the ICDs. This problem
can be avoided by presenting the ICD ID card to the
security officers and walking around the gates. Hand held
security wands (such as those used by airport security
officers) have magnetic fields that can interfere with the
device. Scanning by these wands should be avoided.
Heavy-duty electrical powered equipment, arc welders, a
running car engine, and certain electrically powered
surgical tools can also cause disturbances with the ICD.
Patients should obtain permission from their doctors prior
to driving a car or operating equipment which may fall into
the above category.
Although a running car should not interfere with an ICD
during driving, a patient should not lean over a running
engine. Any other concerns and precautions should be
discussed with your doctor.
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