Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

How do you prepare for an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation?

If I decide to have an AICD, when will I be admitted for the implantation procedure? How long can I expect to be admitted for?

Your doctor will arrange a date for you to be admitted to the hospital. Usually you are admitted on the day of the procedure; occasionally, you will be admitted the day before. Most patients can expect to be discharged the following day; occasionally, your hospital stay may be longer if the procedure is difficult or complicated.

Do I continue to take my medications till the day of the procedure?

Your doctor should already have instructed you on what to do before the procedure.

Please check before discontinuing any medications. The following information is a general guide only.

If you are on warfarin, this will normally need to be discontinued around 5 days prior to the procedure, and a blood test (“INR”) taken to confirm that your blood clotting is normal prior to implantation.

If you are taking aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix), you may be asked to discontinue one or both of these prior to implantation; however, please confirm this with your doctor.

You can normally continue taking your other medications as usual.

Can I eat before the procedure?

In most cases, you will be told to eat a normal meal the evening before your procedure. However, do not eat, drink or chew anything after 12 midnight before your procedure. This includes gum, mints, water, etc. If you must take medications, only take them with small sips of water. When brushing your teeth, do not swallow any water.

What should I wear?

When getting ready, please do not wear makeup and remove nail polish. Wear comfortable clothes when you come to the hospital. You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure. Please leave all jewelry (including wedding rings), watches and valuables at home.

What happens before the procedure?

Before the procedure begins, a nurse will help you get ready. You will be given a hospital gown to change into. You may keep your clothes in a locker or you may give them to a family member.

You will lie on a bed and the nurse will start an IV (intravenous) line in a vein in your arm or hand. The IV is used to deliver medications and fluids during the procedure.

To prevent infection and to keep the device insertion site sterile:

• An antibiotic will be given through the IV at the beginning of the procedure
• The left or right side of your chest will be shaved
• A special soap will be used to cleanse the area
• Sterile drapes are used to cover you from your neck to your feet
• A soft strap may be placed across your waist and arms to prevent your hands from touching the sterile area