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Before and During the ICD Implant Procedure
Before and During the ICD Implant ProcedureAfter a virus damaged Maria’s heart ten years ago, doctors implanted an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator or ICD into her chest. An ICD is a device that shocks the heart when the heart’s normalrhythm is disrupted. Maria’s a veteran of ICD implants; her unit has been replaced twice as thebatteries have worn out.“The first time it was a little bit intimidating, because you go back into this room that lookslike it's right out of Star Trek. It's very high-tech. But after you go through it once, it's really aminor procedure.” Maria, PatientEven though implanting an ICD is considered routine, you’ll still have to prepare for the procedureby following pre-surgery instructions.For one week before your surgery, don’t shave near the area where the ICD will be implanted, butyou can shower. Your doctor might instruct you to wash the surgery site with a special soap thenight before and the morning of your procedure.Don’t eat or drink after midnight the evening before your surgery. However, it’s ok to drink smallamounts of water to take medication. Your health care provider may have you temporarily stopcertain medications.“It is important to notify your physician of which medications you're taking. There are certaindrugs that are not compatible, or should be discontinued prior to a procedure.”- Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistBefore the procedure, you will be required to sign a consent form. As with any procedure, there arerisks associated with implanting an ICD. Among them: infection, severe bleeding, and a collapsedlung.Maria says discussing her concerns with her healthcare team helped make her feel more prepared.“Get your questions written down. Ask everything. It's their job to tell you. There's no stupidquestions, and there's no questions that you should be embarrassed about.”– Maria, PatientPage 1 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002095 EN BeforeAndDuringTheICDImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkBefore and During the ICD Implant ProcedureICDs are implanted in either the left or right side of the chest. Your health care team will likely askwhich side you prefer.Like many patients, Donald Williams based his decision on which arm he uses the most.“I chose the left side because I'm right-handed, and on the left side there's less movement.I don't do as much with my left hand.” – Donald, PatientBefore your procedure, you’ll be given medications to relax you and numb the surgical site. Insome cases, general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, may be used.“They asked me to count. I don't think I got past 90. 91, 92. Starting at a hundred. I didn'tget past that, I don't think. And before I knew it, I'm waking up in bed back in my hospitalroom.” – Donald, PatientAn incision about three inches long will be made near your collarbone in order to form a pocketjust under the skin. Here your doctor will implant the pulse generator, which is the power source.A wire – called a lead -- will be threaded through a vein and into your heart. Depending on yourcondition, more than one lead may be inserted. Over a period of weeks, the ends of the leads willembed in the heart muscle.Once the pulse generator and leads are connected, the system is checked to make sure it’sworking properly. After the surgical team finishes, they’ll move you to recovery, where you willcontinue to be monitored.It’s common for patients to be able to get out of bed just a few hours after the procedure.“I was walking the day of the surgery. That night in the hospital, I could sit up. I could walkto the chair, so I was up and moving.” – Maria, PatientHowever, you may have some discomfort and need to keep your arm in a sling for a while to limitmovement.“When patients undergo insertion of a device, we advise them not to lift the right or left armdepending on where the device is above their shoulder level for approximately six weeks.Page 2 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002095 EN BeforeAndDuringTheICDImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkBefore and During the ICD Implant ProcedureThat is just to make sure that the leads stay in place.”- Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistBy following the advice of his health care team, Donald was able to get back to the activities heenjoys relatively quickly.“I did what I was told, and nothing happened. Everything seems fine, but you do have tofollow instructions.” – Donald, PatientPage 3 of 3This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002095 EN BeforeAndDuringTheICDImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness Network
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