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Implantable Defibrillator "ICD" Recovery
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Cardiac Services

Implantable Defibrillator "ICD" Recovery

Implantable defibrillator surgery, also known as ICD, can be a life changing procedure and the recovery will look different for every patient. Much of it will depend upon your age, health and wellbeing coming into the operation, and how well you commit to your own recovery. The operation is usually performed as minimally invasive surgery which means a faster discharge and quicker recovery period. Taking an active role in your own recovery is crucial to optimising the benefits of surgery, and our specialist rehabilitation team are here to support you at every step as you return to health and adjust to living with your ICD. Please ask about our dedicated cardiac rehabilitation program that you can access through your hospital.

Home preparation for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

As your upper body movement will be restricted for a few weeks after surgery, it’s a good idea to make sure your home environment is prepared in advance for your return. Leaving the security of the hospital environment can feel overwhelming, and it is completely normal to experience some emotional swings on your return home.

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Related recovery

  • Keep all necessary items accessible below hip height to avoid over stretching
  • Avoid any heavy lifting for the first six weeks
  • Prepare some meals in advance
  • Arrange to have some help at home while your arm recovers from surgery
  • Set up a recovery area where you can rest and perform your daily rehabilitation exercises
  • Organise some loose-fitting clothes to avoid aggravating the wound

Your recovery from implantable defibrillator surgery

After the surgery is complete, you will spend some time in recovery before being discharged. Some patients may be required to spend slightly longer in hospital. You may feel tired and experience some soreness around the incision site, and you will be given some pain relief to help with this. Your arm is likely to be in a sling for the first 24 hours and in some cases, your doctor may require that the sling be worn at night for a longer period. The wound should be kept clean and dry until it has fully healed. Although you are likely to be able to return to your usual routine within a few days, you will not be able to drive until advised by your doctor. You will also be given specific instructions about what to do if your ICD delivers an electric shock to restore your heart rhythm, as well as how to maintain the function of the device. It’s important to attend all the follow-up appointments in order to understand any restrictions that may be in place after your procedure. ow to avoid the risk of another cardiac event.


What to look out for at home

Talk to your medical team at once if you experience any of the following: 


  • A shock from your ICD
  • Faintness or dizziness
  • Redness or oozing around the wound site
  • Persistent pain that does not respond to medication
  • Fever
  • Heart-related symptoms

Average Recovery Timeline

Week 1

  • Keep your wound clean and dry and use a protective dressing for bathing
  • Keep your arm low and avoid arm movements that pressure the wound
  • Avoid lifting any heavy objects
  • Talk to your doctor about any pain
  • Perform the prescribed exercises to prevent the shoulder stiffening 


Weeks 1-3

  • Your doctor will check the wound site
  • Short walks can gradually increase in distance as you return to strength
  • Talk to your doctor about returning to work
  • By 4 weeks you should be back to normal activities

Weeks 4-6

  • Your ICD is checked to ensure it is working properly
  • Reaching above shoulder height is now permitted
  • Start to build up your level of exercise
  • Continue on with your prescribed physiotherapy exercises

Week 6 +

  • The wound should be fully healed with your arm able to move freely above your shoulder
  • Talk to your doctor about returning to sport
  • Avoid any contact sports


Regular follow up care is required after ICD surgery, and you will be given an ID card for your device that will help other medical professionals administer any care that you need.

Lifestyle changes

Many patients feel anxious leaving hospital after ICD surgery. This is completely normal and an expected part of the recovery process. Always talk to your healthcare team about any emotions you are experiencing. When leaving hospital, your discharge team will talk to you about:


  • Device management – The battery lasts 5-7 years depending on how often it delivers any therapy, and can be replaced in a smaller operation
  • Check-up appointments – Every 1-6 months as advised by your doctor
  • Driving – Not until advised by your doctor, and generally not recommended for the first 6 months
  • Preparation – Your doctor will create a plan to follow in the event of an electric shock, always carry your ICD details wherever you go

Implantable Defibrillator "ICD" Recovery FAQs

Your ICD has a limited battery life which will be further affected by how often it is activated. Patients should always attend all the recommended check-up appointments to ensure that the ICD is working properly. Your follow up appointments may range between 1-6 months depending on your specific condition and at the discretion of your doctor.
After ICD implantation, commercial driving is typically not permitted for any kind of commercial vehicle such as coaches, buses, and trucks. Private driving is generally banned for the first two weeks while the device bonds into position. Talk to your doctor about when you can safely return to driving as it will be different for each patient, and dependent upon the root cause of surgery.
Exercising is encouraged as it will help your recovery, and it is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. It maintains your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight – all of which help reduce your risk of further cardiac problems. As soon as you return home from surgery you can start with short walks and build your fitness back up. It is generally advised to avoid any contact sports like football or rugby as this could damage the device.
After ICD surgery, reducing your risk factors for heart disease remains a priority. Some risk factors such as gender, age and medical history cannot be controlled. Other risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure and weight can be controlled through diet and exercise. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is the best defence against slowing the onset of heart disease.
Patients are advised to avoid electronic devices with a strong magnetic field such as mobile phones and airport security systems. Mobiles should always be used on the opposite ear and carried away from the ICD. Certain industrial equipment should also be avoided such as electric welders. Your doctor will talk to you about any necessary precautions.
Your ICD is able to distinguish between an abnormal heart rhythm, and a heart rhythm that results from increased activity. Intimacy may therefore resume in line with your general fitness levels, and this is usually at around three weeks after surgery.

What's next?

If you have been experiencing heart-related symptoms, book an appointment with our cardiac services specialist today.

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