Incision & arm care
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The incision (about 5 cm, just under the collarbone) is kept clean and dry; sutures are removed in the office in 10 to 14 days; you may receive antibiotics.
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Arm on the device side: do not raise it above shoulder height, and lift nothing heavier than a cup of coffee, for about 4 to 6 weeks while the leads settle. Gentle walking is fine right away.
Driving — the restrictions we follow, per the ACC/AHA/HRS
After a pacemaker, no driving for about 1 week. After a defibrillator (ICD) placed for primary prevention (no prior life-threatening rhythm), no driving for at least 1 week. After a defibrillator placed for secondary prevention — following cardiac arrest or a sustained dangerous rhythm, or after the device delivers an appropriate shock — no private driving for about 6 months from that event. Commercial driving carries longer, separate restrictions. We confirm your specific restriction before you leave.
When to call
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Redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or the incision opening, or a fever — a device-site infection needs prompt attention
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Return of pre-implant symptoms (dizziness, fainting), twitching near the device, or swelling of the arm on that side
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