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A full recovery from an implantable defibrillator (TV-ICD and S-ICD) procedure can take a few days or a few months. Find general recovery tips and guidelines below, and be sure to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions and talk to him or her about resuming normal activities based on your specific situation.
Recovery time varies. Most people return to light to moderate activities within a few days but check with your doctor. You may have to avoid strenuous activities for about a month after surgery.
While you can probably drive about a week after your implantation surgery, your health care professional will be the one to give you a green light.
Usually, only one shock is needed to restore a regular heartbeat. Some people might have two or more shocks during a 24-hour period. Having three or more shocks in a short amount of time is called an electrical or arrhythmia storm. If you have an electrical storm, you should call 911 or seek emergency medical help.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a medical device that constantly tracks your heart rate and rhythm, then delivers an electric shock if it detects an irregular heart rhythm. If you have an ICD, tell all your healthcare providers.
The procedure to implant an S-ICD usually takes a couple of hours. It requires inserting two parts: a generator and a defibrillation lead. Most people receive conscious sedation and are awake but relaxed during the procedure.
After the procedure, you may be taken to the recovery room for observation, or you may go to your hospital room. A nurse will watch your vital signs. Tell your nurse right away if you feel any chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, or any other pain at the incision site.
Full recovery takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Ask your provider how much you can use the arm on the side of your body where the ICD was placed. You may be advised not to lift anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.75 kilograms) and to avoid pushing, pulling, or twisting your arm for 2 to 3 weeks.
How It Works. Defibrillator vs. Pacemaker. Implant Procedure. Risks. Concerns & Precautions. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device that sends an electric shock to the heart during a life-threatening abnormal heartbeat. The shock returns the heart rhythm to normal. An ICD can be a lifesaving device.
A doctor can also implant an ICD surgically under general anesthesia. In this case, your hospital recovery time can last up to five days.