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Your Medical Device ID Card
When will I get my permanent Guidant Medical Device ID card?
Protecting and Caring for Your Defibrillator
Is it safe for me to use electrical appliances or have x-rays?
How often should my defibrillator be checked?
Will my defibrillator ever need to be replaced?
Living With Your Defibrillator
Now that I have a defibrillator, can I still drive my car?
Can I go back to my normal activities after my implant?
Now that I have a defibrillator, can I resume sexual intimacy?
What does my defibrillator feel like when it's working?
When should I call my doctor?
Traveling With Your Defibrillator
How can I find a doctor when I'm traveling?
Do I need a special Medical Device ID card when I travel overseas?
Support and Product Information
How can I find a patient support group?
What if I move or change heart doctors?
Have a Different Question?
Guidant mails your permanent Medical Device Identification (ID) card to you 6-8 weeks after your implant. This card helps identify you as a patient with an implanted medical device (pacemaker, defibrillator, or lead wire). If you do not receive your permanent card within 8 weeks, you can order a Medical Device ID card through our website. You can also call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268) to order a card.
Back to topYour defibrillator is designed to work properly around most appliances and equipment. Most things you handle or work near every day will not cause a problem. But, some strong electrical or magnetic fields may affect your defibrillator. The effects are usually temporary. If you hear your defibrillator beeping, immediately move away from the source of the interference and call your doctor.
Several medical and dental procedures require special precautions to prevent device interference. Learn more about sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
If you have questions about a specific appliance, tool, medical procedure, or piece of equipment, talk with your doctor. Or call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268). Check with your doctor to see if you have any other restrictions.
Back to topMost ICD patients have their devices checked every 3 months. Your doctor will determine a follow-up schedule that is best for you.
Back to topEventually, yes. Your defibrillator runs on a battery. Like all batteries, the battery in your defibrillator will eventually wear out. At each follow-up visit, your doctor or nurse will check your battery. When the battery power reaches a certain point, your defibrillator needs to be replaced.
Doctors make it a high priority to replace defibrillators while they are still working correctly. Your doctor can program your defibrillator to beep when it is almost time to replace it. If you hear your defibrillator beeping, call your doctor immediately.
Back to topIt depends on the driving laws where you live. It also depends on your unique symptoms. Ask your doctor what's best for you.
Back to topThere are very few activities that will be off limits to you because you have a defibrillator. Your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous activity (especially upper body activity) just after surgery. Doing so helps ensure your lead(s) has time to firmly attach to your heart tissue. After that, you will likely be able to do all of the things you did before your implant. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about physical activity.
To learn more about life with a defibrillator, see Living With Your Defibrillator.
Back to topFor most patients, sexual intimacy is not a medical risk. The natural heart rate increase that occurs during sex is the same as the heart rate increase that occurs when you exercise. Exercise testing at the hospital will help your doctor program your defibrillator so you don't get a shock during sex. If you do get a shock, your partner may feel a tingling sensation. The sensation is not harmful to your partner. Be sure to let your doctor know if you get a shock during sex. Your doctor may want to reprogram your device.
Back to topYour doctor programmed your defibrillator to best treat your condition. The type of therapy you receive depends on your heart rhythm and your device's programming:
You may feel upset when you receive the first shock from your defibrillator. Because the shock can be unexpected, it's only natural to feel anxious for a little while. Talk to your doctor to find out how your defibrillator is programmed and what to expect.
Back to topYour doctor should discuss a plan with you so you know when to call. For example, you may need to call your doctor every time you receive a shock. Or, your doctor may suggest that it is not necessary to call after receiving a shock as long as you feel well.
As a general rule, you should always call your doctor if:
Always call 911 (in the United States) if you feel light-headed or dizzy after you receive a shock.
You can call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268) for any questions about your defibrillator.
Back to topVisit the Travel With Your Device section to find medical device facilities worldwide that have treated patients with Guidant products. Doctors at these facilities can help you with your device.
Back to topA special card isn't necessary, but it might help you. You can hand the card to security staff at the airport. The card explains that your defibrillator may trigger airport security alarms. The warning is printed in several languages. You can order a Medical Device Patient Travel Card on our website.
Whether or not you have a Medical Device Patient Travel Card, be sure to carry your Medical Device ID card with you at all times.
See Sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) for more information about airport security systems.
Back to topYou may find it helpful to talk with other defibrillator patients while adjusting to your new device. Ask your doctor, nurse, or Guidant representative if there is a local patient support group in your area.
Back to topIf your name or address changes or if you get a new heart doctor, let us know so we can update your records. You can notify us of the change online on the Order a Medical Device ID Card or Travel Card page. Or you can call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268).
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