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Maryland Heart Center

Electrophysiology Lab

Electrophysiology Lab | Lovenox Injection Instructions | Pre-Implant Instructions | Pacemaker Discharge Instructions | ICD Firing | I.C.D. Discharge Instructions | Loop Recorder Discharge Instructions | Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Instructions | Remote Monitoring Instructions | Instructions for Tilt Table Test | Pre Procedure Instructions for Cardioversion | Pre-Procedure Instructions for EP Study and Ablations | EPS/Ablation Discharge Instructions | Directions to the EP Lab | Contact Us

I.C.D. (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Discharge Instructions

MEDICATIONS

I.C.D.- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
  1. Take only the medications prescribed for you at discharge.

ACTIVITY

  1. Return to your normal activity as tolerated except as noted below.
  2. Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 4 weeks with the affected arm.  This is how long it takes the muscles to heal, and the leads inside your heart to stabilize in their position.
  3. Avoid reaching above your head with the affected arm for 4 weeks because this increases the risk of lead dislodgment.
  4. Avoid tight clothes or unnecessary pressure over your incision (such as bra straps or a seat belt).  If it is tender or sensitive to clothing, cover the incision with a soft dressing.
  5. Questions about driving are individualized and should be discussed with one of the EP physicians.

DISCHARGE PRECAUTIONS

  1. Record your temperature each evening for 3 weeks after your implant.  Bring this record to your first office visit.  A temperature elevation (over 100.5) can be the first sign of infection and should be reported to your M.D. immediately. 
  2. You cannot have a MRI. You must be aware that any strong magnet or magnetic field can affect your Pacemaker. In general, be careful of metal detectors, heavy machinery, and any area where arc-welding is performed. Avoid metal detectors such as the ones in courthouses and department stores. When approaching a security check point such as those at an airport, show your wallet card to security personnel and ask to be hand searched.
  3. Always tell your doctor or dentist that you have a Pacemaker. Antibiotics may be prescribed before certain procedures.
  4. Obtain a Medic-Alert bracelet or necklace.
  5. If you use a cell phone, hold it on the opposite side from where your Pacemaker is implanted.
  6. Your temporary identification card will be mailed to you.  Keep this card in your wallet, or on your person at all times or until you receive your permanent card.  If you have not received your permanent card within 8 weeks after arriving home, please call the Electrophysiology lab at (410) 328-7801.

BATHING

  1. Leave the bandage over your incision for 7 days after the Pacemaker implant. You may remove your bandage on _____________________________.
  2. You may shower after the bandage is removed. If you have an abdominal incision, do not take a tub bath for 2 weeks.
  3. You may wash your incisions with soap and water, but do not apply any  lotions, powders, or perfumes to the incision line.
    1. If you have white steri-strips on top of your incision (underneath the gauze dressing), they will curl up at the ends and fall off on their own, usually within 10 days

      -OR-

    2. Dermabond adhesive was used to close your incision (see enclosed patient instruction sheet)

SYMPTOMS THAT NEED TO BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE EP OFFICE (410-328-7801 or 410-328-6056)

  1. Temperature more than 100.5
  2. Redness or warmth at the incision site
  3. Drainage from the incision site
  4. Swelling around the incision site
  5. Shortness of breath
  6. Rapid heart rate or palpitations
  7. Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
  8. Any firing of your ICD. If your ICD fires more than once, call 911. If your ICD fires only once, call the EP office (410-328-6056). It is very important to call about any shocks you receive. The device will need to be looked at by an EP doctor to see if the shock was for a life-threatening arrhythmia.
  9. Hearing a tone from your ICD.

FOLLOW UP CARE

  1. You will be seen for a follow-up 1 month after discharge.  After that, appointments will be every 3 months.
  2. All patients are seen for their 1 month visit at:

    The University of Maryland Professional Building
    Suite 520 (5th Floor)
    419 W. Redwood Street
    Baltimore, Md. 21201

    **Your 1 month follow-up appointment has been scheduled for ____________________________at the address listed above.

    Please call 410-328-6056 if you need to reschedule this appointment.**

  3. It is very important for you to have your 1 month appointment at the address listed above. The doctors who do the follow-up visits are:
    • Dr. Stephen Shorofsky
    • Dr. Robert Peters
    • Dr. R.E. Hood
    • Dr. Timm Dickfeld
    • Dr. Anastasios Saliaris
  4. After the 1 month follow-up, you may choose to see your private cardiologist every 3 months for your device check up.  Ask your cardiologist if he performs this service, or if you should continue to be seen by the EP Staff at the University of Maryland.
  5. Please bring a list of your current medications to clinic.

This page was last updated on: July 20, 2012.

Please call if you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services. Patients dial 1-866-408-6885, physicians dial 410-328-6622 or 1-800-318-1019.