Patient InfoYou can view and download a copy of our documents here.
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ICDC-Surrey Patient Information Booklet
ICDC-Surrey Patient Registration Application
ICDs and electrical interference. Fact or Fiction?
There are stories galore about how electrical interference can cause havoc for people living with an ICD.
Everybody knows a horror story and will be quick to share it with you if they know you have an ICD implanted.
Do not despair – there is more fiction around than truth and to hear the true side of the stories talk to your ICD centre who will tell you exactly what is likely to cause problems and what is completely safe.
ICDS & driving
One of the disadvantages of having an ICD is that there are many rules & regulations related to driving. These have been established by the DVLA in conjunction with the Cardiology Advisory Panel & are constantly being reviewed, updated & subject to change.
A brief glossary to help you understand cardiology terms.
Can you travel anywhere?
Having an ICD implanted makes no difference to whether you can travel or not. What really determines the answer is “what is the general state of your health” & “what is the risk to you if you find yourself stranded in a location with no emergency cardiac cover”? Some patients with ICDs will have no problems from either of these two questions. Other patients will have to exercise more caution regarding the locations that they intend to visit & how long they will stay there.
To help in an emergency, family and friends need to understand how a defibrillator works, what happens to the patient when fitted with one, and what to do when it operates. Make sure they have this basic knowledge:-