Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): Risks & Complications

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device implanted under the skin of a patient's chest, with wires running to the heart. The ICD monitors the heart rate and delivers electrical shocks to stop abnormal heart rhythms.

Risks of Surgery

• Serious risks involved in the surgery to implant the ICD are rare but include the risk of bleeding around the heart, which is life-threatening. Damage to nerves, blood vessels or the heart is also possible. Minor risks of surgery include swelling, bruising, bleeding or infection at the implantation site.

Operation of the ICD

• ICDs sometimes do not operate properly. They can deliver unnecessary shocks, or deliver shocks too often or at the wrong time, which can cause damage to the heart. If this happens, the ICD can be reprogrammed or replaced.

Precautions

• Most common household appliances, including microwaves, will not affect an ICD. It is safe to use a cell phone, as long as the cell phone is kept at least six inches from the ICD and carried on the opposite side of the body from the ICD. Equipment that has strong electric or magnetic fields, such as large antennas or industrial equipment, should be avoided.