Internal cardiac defibrillators are very similar to pacemakers except the lead that is placed in the bottom chamber of the heart is slightly thicker and the battery is bigger. Defibrillators are implanted in the same way as pacemakers and they can do everything that a pacemaker can do as well.
Can I drive after I have defibrillator?
There are rules set by the DVLA for driving with defibrillators and when you can drive again depends on the reason that the defibrillator was implanted in the first place and whether you have needed to use it. We will explain the driving restrictions to you and information is available on the DVLA website. A simple summary of the rules is as follows:
- You cannot have hold a class II license with if you have an ICD implanted.
- If the ICD was implanted because you are at risk of cardiac arrest but have not had one, then you can drive after the first pacing check in two weeks.
- If the ICD was implanted following a cardiac arrest then you can drive six months after the cardiac arrest providing the device has not needed to be used in that time.
- Every time the ICD delivers treatment there is the potential of a further driving restriction.
Will I know if the defibrillator has fired?
If the defibrillator has delivered a shock then it will feel like a jolt or thump in the chest, so most people will notice it and it may cause you some discomfort. However the device is also programmed to treat some heart rhythms (VT) by delivering short periods of pacing at a higher heart rate thereby interrupting the short circuit and restoring normal rhythm. You may not be aware that this is happening, feel dizzy or notice your heart fluttering for a few seconds.