What are the long-term risks after the surgery?

In the weeks after surgery, infection is the most common risk. After that, the chances of a complication diminish significantly. Some of the rare problems some people have are lead dislodgement or failure, unnecessary shocks, or anxiety about their device. Discuss the long-term risks with your doctor.

Go ahead. Ask me anything.

Ask The ICD is a candid intro to living with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.

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Considering an ICD?

Have a better conversation with your doctor. Just rate the following statements, then share the results with your care team at your next appointment. In the meantime, we can customize the site just for you.

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	A chance to have a longer life.
A chance to have a longer life.
	The ICD being a well-studied treatment option.
The ICD being a well-studied treatment option.
	My faith or beliefs about the ICD being the right choice for me.
My faith or beliefs about the ICD being the right choice for me.
	My spouse or family being comforted with my decision.
My spouse or family being comforted with my decision.
	Becoming depressed after getting the ICD.
Becoming depressed after getting the ICD.
	Becoming anxious or stressed after getting the ICD.
Becoming anxious or stressed after getting the ICD.
	Getting shocked when around other people.
Getting shocked when around other people.
	Having a worse quality of life.
Having a worse quality of life.
	Not wanting other people to see my scar or ask me about my condition.
Not wanting other people to see my scar or ask me about my condition.
	Feeling safer with the ICD.
Feeling safer with the ICD.

Especially for Clinicians

Do you have ideas how we can make Ask the ICD even more helpful to patients and their families? Did we miss a question? Overlook an opportunity? Underuse your favorite color? Really, your input is valuable. So too are the patient and professional education resources we’ve included here. Go ahead, click the links.

About Ask the ICD

We're here to answer questions from people with ICDs, their families, and those who are considering an ICD. Medtronic sponsors the website, which has been reviewed by a panel of clinicians.

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Patient Education

Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Are You at Risk?
This website provides a general overview on sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Living with your ICD
This 10-page booklet addresses some of the common questions asked about ICD therapy. Topics include travel, airport security, and cellular phone use.
Professional Education

Tachyarrhythmia-management
Provides patients with information and resources on Tachycardia; including causes, symptoms, risks, & diagnosis.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Provides patients with information and resources on the causes, symptoms, risk factors and diagnosis of sudden cardiac arrest(SCA).

Medtronic ICDs
Outlines the benefits of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD)in the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest, and how ICDs restore the heart’s rhythm.

Medtronic Features
Provides information on Medtronic’s CRDM device examples and comparisons across models.

What are the long-term risks after the surgery?

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