your heart. ‚
A special tool is used to check your battery. It also checks to see if your defibrillator is working the right way. This is often done with your regular visits to the office. Doctors may also check your defibrillator over the phone, through the computer, or over a wireless internet connection. Your doctor will help you plan to get the battery and generator replaced well before the battery runs out. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- A cut is made close to the original cut to show the "pocket where the generator rests. The generator is disconnected from the attached wires. Then, the new generator is connected back to the wires.
- If the lead wires also need to be replaced, the method will be similar to the one you had to put in the defibrillator.
- The doctor closes the cut with stitches, staples, or glue.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Most often you are able to go home soon after your procedure. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection
- Help with pain
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- A collapsed lung
- Bruising
- Blood vessel damage
- Device does not work the right way
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/PreventionTreatmentofArrhythmia/Living-With-Your-Implantable-Cardioverter-Defibrillator-ICD_UCM_448462_Article.jsp ‚
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/icd/lifestyle.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚