Removal of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) may be removed due to an infection around the device or in the heart tissue.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:

• You have any of the following signs of a heart attack:
  • Squeezing, pressure, or pain in your chest
  • You may also have any of the following:
    • Discomfort or pain in your back, neck, jaw, stomach, or arm
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Lightheadedness or a sudden cold sweat
• You have trouble breathing.
• You lose consciousness or stop breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your stitches come apart.

Call your doctor or surgeon if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your surgery area is red, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Heart medicine may be given to strengthen or control your heartbeat.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Antibiotics help treat an infection.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for the surgery area as directed:

Wear loose-fitting clothing over the area. Do not get the area wet until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Carefully wash the area with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions on the area. Check every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus. Empty your drain as directed. Write down how much you empty each time.

Self-care:

• Apply ice on the procedure area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
• Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds, or as directed. Ask your healthcare provider when you can lift heavy objects.
• Limit the use of your arm nearest to the surgery area. Place your arm closest to the area in a sling. Wear the sling as directed to help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your arm on pillows or blankets when you take off your sling to keep it elevated comfortably. Do not lift the arm closest to the incision area over your head for 5 days. Do gentle range of motion exercises (ROM) exercises as directed to prevent arm and shoulder stiffness.

Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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