Management of implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: role of predischarge electrophysiologic testing and proper patient instruction before hospital discharge

Routine postoperative testing of implanted defibrillators is still debated. White a high-risk subgroup of patients can be identified where this testin g is mandatory, those with good results at implants may be less likely to b enefit from further testing. Recent data suggests routine testing is justif ied due to a low, but potentially life-threatening, device failure rate fou nd during postoperative testing. Additionally, patient education is importa nt in the predischarge period. Patients must be knowledgeable regarding pot ential environmental electromagnetic interference with normal function of t heir device. Adequate discharge instructions will help reduce patient anxie ty over returning to their normal daily activities, and help them adjust ps ychologically to their defibrillator. Curr Opin Cardiol 2001, 16:71-75 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.