What can I expect from the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implant recovery process?

 Important Safety Information

Following a device implant, an overnight stay in the hospital may be required for monitoring purposes. It is normal to have some soreness, tenderness, or even bruising around the surgical site as well.

Recovery time may vary based on the type of device you have received. Refer to your device’s patient manual and consult with a doctor if you have questions about specific timelines for getting back to normal activities.

Activities or movements that can cause strain on the body are typically restricted. Actions that involve pushing, pulling, or lifting heavy objects should be avoided for multiple weeks after the procedure. Even light exercise and stretching are advised against for multiple weeks following your procedure.

Your doctor may tell you to no longer play contact sports or any activity where you might be hit on or near the implant site, because this could damage your ICD or move or disconnect its wires.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions and to create a timeline for safely returning to your normal activities.

As you recover from the implant procedure, you should have regular checkups with your doctor to make sure your device is working properly or if you have experienced any shocks. The frequency of your visits may depend on whether you have remote monitoring set up with your ICD. Remote monitoring is a way for your ICD to communicate with your doctor or clinic and to potentially lower the number of times you need to travel to your clinic for a device check.

A shock from an ICD can feel like a sharp or quick thump to the chest, but different people feel the shock differently. The muscles in your chest and upper arm may tighten so strongly that you jump up in surprise.

Try not to worry if this happens. It simply means that the ICD is doing its job. Anyone touching you at the time you get the shock may feel a muscle spasm or a tingle. It will not hurt the person touching you.

Part of recovering from ICD surgery is learning what to expect when your ICD delivers a shock. Your doctor should work with you to create a shock plan. This will be your guide if you feel a shock from your ICD. Shock plans may vary depending on your condition and your device. Working with your doctor to create a shock plan may help you feel more prepared if you experience a shock from your ICD.

We're available to provide general educational information about Medtronic ICDs and answer questions about our devices and therapies. As always, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about your unique medical condition and therapy management. If you have medical concerns or health symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare professional. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.