Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Recommendations for driving after implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and the use of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator

Different viewpoints around the world

  • review article
  • Published:
Wiener klinische Wochenschrift Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) has been shown to improve survival in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death; however, due to the continuous risk of sudden loss of consciousness during arrhythmia or ICD intervention, they pose a potential risk to other road users while driving. A large number of opinions and recommendations from authorities and medical societies all over the world exist regarding driving restrictions after ICD implantation. This analysis provides an overview of the recommendations on driving restrictions from several countries. Furthermore, the use of the wearable and the subcutaneous ICD are taken into account.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

AHA:

American Heart Association

ATP:

Antitachycardia pacing

AUT:

Austria

BASt:

Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (German Federal Highway Research Institute)

CCS:

Canadian Cardiovascular Society

DGK:

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie—Herz und Kreislaufforschung e. V. (German Cardiac Society)

EHRA:

European Heart Rhythm Association

ICD:

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

LVEF:

Left ventricular ejection fraction

NYHA:

New York Heart Association

S‑ICD:

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator

sVT:

Sustained ventricular tachycardia

VT:

Ventricular tachycardia

WCD:

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator

References

  1. Priori SG, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Mazzanti A, Blom N, Borggrefe M, Camm J, et al. ESC guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Eur Heart J. 2015;36(41):2793–867.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Vijgen J, Botto G, Camm J, Hoijer CJ, Jung W, Le Heuzey JY, et al. Consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association: updated recommendations for driving by patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2010;9:3–14.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Raatikainen MJP, Arnar DO, Zeppenfeld K, Merino JL, Levya F, Hindriks G, et al. Statistics on the use of cardiac electronic devices and electrophysiological procedures in the European Society of Cardiology countries: 2014 report from the European Heart Rhythm Association. Europace. 2015;17:i1–75.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Kremers MS, Hammill SC, Berul CI, Koutras C, Curtis JS, Wang Y, et al. The National ICD Registry Report: version 2.1 including leads and pediatrics for years 2010 and 2011. Heart Rhythm. 2013;10(4):e59–65.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. -. Assessment of the cardiac patient for fitness to drive. Can J Cardiol. 1992;8:406–19.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. -. Assessment of the cardiac patient for fitness to drive: 1996 update. Can J Cardiol. 1996;12:1164–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Jung W, Luderitz B. Driving and the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Study Group on ICD and Driving. Lancet. 1996;348:687–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Jung W, Anderson M, Camm A, Jordaens L, Petch M, Rosenqvist M. Recommendations for driving of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Study Group on ‘ICD and Driving’ of the Working Groups on Cardiac Pacing and Arrhythmias of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J. 1997;18:1210–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Petch M. Driving and heart disease. Eur Heart J. 1998;19:1165–77.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Simpson C, Ross D, Dorian P. CCS Consensus Conference 2003: Assessment of the cardiac patient for fitness to drive and fly—executive summary primary panel assessment of the cardiac patient for fitness to drive. Can J Cardiol. 2004;20(13):1313–23.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Epstein AE, Baessler CA, Curtis AB, Estes NAM, Gersh BJ, Grubb B, et al. Addendum to personal and public safety issues related to arrhythmias that may affect consciousness: implications for regulation and physician recommendations: a medical/scient.statem. from the Am. Heart Ass. and the North Am. Soc. of Pacing and Electrophysi. Circulation. 2007;115(9):1170–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Epstein AE, Miles WM, Benditt DG, Camm AJ, Darling EJ, Friedman PL, et al. Personal and public safety issues related to arrhythmias that may affect consciousness: implications for regulation and physician recommendations. A medical/scientific statement from the American Heart Association and the North American Society of Pacing. Circulation. 1996;94(5):1147–66.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Lampert R, Joska T, Burg MM, Batsford WP, McPherson CA, Jain D. Emotional and physical precipitants of ventricular arrhythmia. Circulation. 2002;106(14):1800–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Taggart P, Gibbons D, Somerville W. Some effects of motor-car driving on the normal and abnormal heart. Br Med J. 1969;4(5676):130–4.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Curtis AB. When Is it Safe to Resume Driving After ICD Implantation. 2011. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2014/07/18/11/37/when-is-it-safe-to-resume-driving-after-icd-implantation.

  16. Kou WH, Calkins H, Lewis RR, Bolling SF, Kirsch MM, Langberg JJ, et al. Incidence of loss of consciousness during automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks. Ann Intern Med. 1991;115(12):942–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Bänsch D, Brunn J, Castrucci M, Weber M, Gietzen F, Borggrefe M, et al. Syncope in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: incidence, prediction and implications for driving restrictions. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1998;31(3):608–15.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Freedberg NA, Hill JN, Fogel RI, Prystowsky EN. Recurrence of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator after the first device therapy: Implications for antiarrhythmic therapy and driving restrictions. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001;37(7):1910–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Trappe HJ, Wenzlaff P, Grellman G. Should patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators be allowed to drive? Observations in 291 patients from a single center over an 11-year period. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 1998;2(2):193–201.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Klein RC, Raitt MH, Wilkoff BL, Beckman KJ, Coromilas J, Wyse DG, et al. Analysis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in the antiarrhythmics versus implantable defibrillators (AVID) trial. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2003;14(9):940–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Buber J, Luria D, Gurevitz O, Bar-Lev D, Eldar M, Glikson M. Safety and efficacy of strategic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator programming to reduce the shock delivery burden in a primary prevention patient population. Europace. 2014;16(2):227–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Tan VH, Wilton SB, Kuriachan V, Sumner GL, Exner DV. Impact of programming strategies aimed at reducing nonessential implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies on mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2014;7(1):164–70.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Lampert R. Managing with pacemakers and Implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Circulation. 2013;128(14):1576–85.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Tan VH, Ritchie D, Maxey C, Sheldon R. Prospective assessment of the risk of vasovagal syncope during driving. JACC Clin Electrophysiol. 2016;2(2):203–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Whang W, Mittleman MA, Rich DQ, Wang PJ, Ruskin JN, Tofler GH, et al. Heart failure and the risk of shocks in patients with Implantable cardioverter defibrillators: results from triggers of ventricular arrhythmias (TOVA) study. Circulation. 2004;109(11):1386–91.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Larsen GC, Stupey MR, Walance CG, Griffith KK, Cutler JE, Kron J, et al. Recurrent cardiac events in survivors of ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. JAMA. 1994;271(17):1335.9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Digest of motor laws. Types of driver’s licences.. https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/types-of-drivers-licenses/. Accessed 2 Jan 2019.

  28. Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency U. Assessing fitness to drive—a guide for medical professionals. 2018. pp. 1–142.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Abello M, Merino JL, Peinado R, Gnoatto M, Arias MA, Gonzalez-Vasserot M, et al. Syncope following cardioverter defibrillator implantation in patients with spontaneous syncopal monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Eur Heart J. 2006;27(1):89–95.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Curtis AB, Conti JB, Tucker KJ, Kubilis PS, Reilly RE, Woodard DA. Motor vehicle accidents in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1995;26(1):180–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Lerecouvreux M, Ait Said M, Paziaud O, Perrier E, Carlioz R, Lavergne T, et al. Automobile driving and implantable defibrillators. Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 2005;98:288–93.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Akiyama T, Powell JL, Mitchell LB, Ehlert FA, Baessler C. Resumption of driving after life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(6):391–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Albert CM, Rosenthal L, Calkins H, Steinberg JS, Ruskin JN, Wang P, et al. Driving and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks for ventricular arrhythmias. Results from the TOVA study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(23:2233–40.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Gräcmann N, Albrecht M. Begutachtungsleitlinien zur Kraftfahreignung. 2017. https://www.bast.de/BASt_2017/DE/Verkehrssicherheit/Fachthemen/BLL/Begutachtungsleitlinien.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=17.

  35. Klein HH, Sechrem U, Trappe H‑J, Stellbrink C. Pocket-Leitlinie DGK 2018: Fahreignung bei kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen. 2018. https://leitlinien.dgk.org/files/2018_Pocket_Leitlinien_Fahreignung_Internetversion.pdf.

  36. Leitlinien für die gesundheitliche Eignung von Kraftfahrzeuglenkern. 2019. https://www.bmvit.gv.at/verkehr/strasse/recht/fsg/erlaesse/downloads/gesundheit_leitlinien.pdf.

  37. Bleakley JF, Akiyama T. Driving and arrhythmias: implications of new data. Card Electrophysiol Rev. 2003;7(1):77–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Thijssen J, Borleffs CJW, Van Rees JB, De Bie MK, Van Der Velde ET, Van Erven L, et al. Driving restrictions after implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: An evidence-based approach. Eur Heart J. 2011;32(21):2678–87.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Moss AJ, Hall WJ, Cannom DS, Daubert JP, Higgins SL, Klein H, et al. Improved survival with an implanted defibrillator in patients with coronary disease at high risk for ventricular arrhythmia. Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial Investigators. N Engl J Med. 1996;335(26):1933–40.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Bigger JT. Prophylactic use of implanted cardiac defibrillators in patients at high risk for ventricular arrhythmias after coronary-artery bypass graft surgery. N Engl J Med. 2002;337(22):1569–75.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Saeed M, Hanna I, Robotis D, Styperek R, Polosajian L, Khan A, et al. Programming implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in patients with primary prevention indication to prolong time to first shock: results from the PROVIDE study. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2014;25(1):52–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Buxton AE, Lee KL, Fisher JD, Josephson ME, Prystowsky EN, Hafley G. A randomized study of the prevention of sudden death in patients with coronary heart disease. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(25):1882–90.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Kadish A, Dyer A, Daubert JP, Quigg R, Estes NAM, Anderson KP, et al. Prophylactic defibrillator implantation in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(21):2151–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Bardy GH, Lee KL, Mark DB, Poole JE, Packer DL, Boineau R, et al. Amiodarone or an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator for congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(3):225–37.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Bristow MR, Saxon LA, Boehmer J, Krueger S, Kass DA, De Marco T, et al. Cardiac-resynchronization therapy with or without an implantable defibrillator in advanced chronic heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(21):2140–50.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Hohnloser SH, Kuck KH, Dorian P, Roberts RS, Hampton JR, Hatala R, et al. Prophylactic use of an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator after acute myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2004;351(24):2481–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Wilkoff BL, Williamson BD, Stern RS, Moore SL, Lu F, Lee SW, et al. Strategic programming of detection and therapy parameters in Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillators reduces shocks in primary prevention patients. Results from the PREPARE (primary prevention parameters evaluation) study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52(7):541–50.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Gasparini M, Menozzi C, Proclemer A, Landolina M, Iacopino S, Carboni A, et al. A simplified biventricular defibrillator with fixed long detection intervals reduces implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) interventions and heart failure hospitalizations in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy implanted for primary preventi. Eur Heart J. 2009;30(22):2758–67.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Moss AJ, Schuger C, Beck CA, Brown MW, Cannom DS, Daubert JP, et al. Reduction in inappropriate therapy and mortality through ICD programming. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(24):2275–83.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Watanabe E, Abe H, Watanabe S. Driving restrictions in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators and pacemakers. J Arrhythmia. 2017;33(6):594–601.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Conti JB, Woodard DA, Tucker KJ, Bryant B, King LC, Curtis AB. Modification of patient driving behavior after implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1997;20(9):2200–4.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Raviele A, Gasparini G. Italian multicenter clinical experience with endocardial defibrillation: acute and long-term results in 307 patients. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1995;18(3):599–608.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Epstein AE, Baker JH, Beau SL, Deering TF, Greenberg SM, Goldman DS. Performance of the St. Jude Medical Riata Leads. Heart Rhythm. 2009;6(2):204–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Gold MR, Peters RW, Johnson JW, Shorofsky SR. Complications associated with pectoral cardioverter-defibrillator implantation: comparison of subcutaneous and submuscular approaches. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1996;28(5):1278–82.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Simpson C, Dorian P, Gupta A, Hamilton R, Hoffmaster B, Klein G, et al. CCS Consensus Conference 2003: assessment of the cardiac patient for fitness to drive and fly—executive summary. Can J Cardiol. 2004;20(13):1314–20.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Steinbeck G, Dorwarth U, Mattke S, Hoffmann E, Markewitz A, Kaulbach H, et al. Hemodynamic deterioration during ICD implant: predictors of high-risk patients. Am Heart J. 1994;12 7:1064–7.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Steinbach K, Merl O, Frohner K, Hief C, Nurnberg M, Kaltenbrunner W, et al. Hemodynamics during ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Am Heart J. 1994;127:1102–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Dichtl W, Wolber T, Paoli U, Brüllmann S, Stühlinger M, Berger T, et al. Appropriate therapy but not inappropriate shocks predict survival in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients. Clin Cardiol. 2011;34(7):433–6.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  59. Daubert JP, Zareba W, Cannom DS, McNitt S, Rosero SZ, Wang P, et al. Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks in MADIT II. Frequency, mechanisms, predictors, and survival impact. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;51(14):1357–65.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Saxon LA, Hayes DL, Gilliam FR, Heidenreich PA, Day J, Seth M, et al. Long-term outcome after ICD and CRT implantation and influence of remote device follow-up: the ALTITUDE survival study. Circulation. 2010;122(23):2359–67.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. van Rees JB, Borleffs CJW, de Bie MK, Stijnen T, van Erven L, Bax JJ, et al. Inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011;57(5):556–62.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Moss AJ, Greenberg H, Case RB, Zareba W, Hall WJ, Brown MW, et al. Long-term clinical course of patients after termination of ventricular tachyarrhythmia by an implanted defibrillator. Circulation. 2004;110(25):3760–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Poole JE, Johnson GW, Hellkamp AS, Anderson J, Callans DJ, Raitt MH, et al. Prognostic importance of defibrillator shocks in patients with heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(10):1009–17.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  64. Park KW, Kang SH, Kang HJ, Koo BK, Park BE, Cha KS, et al. A randomized comparison of platinum chromium-based everolimus-eluting stents versus cobalt chromium-based zotarolimus-eluting stents in all-comers receiving percutaneous coronary intervention: HOST-ASSURE noninferiority trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014;63(25):2805–16.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Proietti R, Labos C, Davis M, Thanassoulis G, Santangeli P, Russo V, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks and long-term mortality. Can J Cardiol. 2015;31:270–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Streitner F, Herrmann T, Kuschyk J, Lang S, Doesch C, Papavassiliu T, et al. Impact of shocks on mortality in patients with ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and defibrillators implanted for primary prevention. Plos One. 2013;8(5):1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Strickberger SA, Canby R, Cooper J, Coppess M, Doshi R, John R, et al. Association of antitachycardia pacing or shocks with survival in 69,000 patients with an implantable defibrillator. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2017;28(4):416–22.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Merchant FM, Hoskins MH, Benser ME, Roberts G, Bastek AN, Knezevic A, et al. Time course of subsequent shocks after initial implantable cardioverter-defibrillator discharge and implications for driving restrictions. JAMA Cardiol. 2016;1(2):181–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Kim MH, Zhang Y, Sakaguchi S, Goldberger JJ. Time course of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy and implications for guideline-based driving restrictions. Heart Rhythm. 2015;12(8):1728–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Fröhlig G. Komplikationen der Defibrillatortherapie Herzschrittmacher- und Defibrillator-Therapie: Indikation – Programmierung – Nachsorge. Stuttgart, New York: Thieme; 2006. pp. 407–22.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Watanabe E, Okajima K, Shimane A, Ozawa T, Manaka T, Morishima I, et al. Inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks—incidence, effect, and implications for driver licensing. J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2017;49(3):271–80.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  72. Smith T. Driving after ventricular arrhythmias. N Engl J Med. 2001;345:451–2.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Burke MC, Gold MR, Knight BP, Barr CS, Theuns DAMJ, Boersma LVA, et al. Safety and efficacy of the totally subcutaneous implantable defibrillator: 2‑year results from a pooled analysis of the IDE study and EFFORTLESS registry. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;65(16):1605–15.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Olde Nordkamp LRA, Knops RE, Bardy GH, Blaauw Y, Boersma LVA, Bos JS, et al. Rationale and design of the PRAETORIAN trial: A Prospective, RAndomizEd comparison of subcuTaneOus and tRansvenous ImplANtable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy. Am Heart J. 2012;163(5):753–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Kusumoto FM, Bailey KR, Chaouki AS, Deshmukh AJ, Gautam S, Kim RJ et al. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Circulation. 2018;138(13):e392–414.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Schwab JO, Bänsch D, Israel C, Nowak B. Stellungnahme zum Einsatz des tragbaren Kardioverter/Defibrillators. Kardiologe. 2015;9(2):165–70.

    Google Scholar 

  77. Scherr D, Mörtl D, Keller H, Ebner C. Positionspapier zum Einsatz des tragbaren Kardioverter-Defibrillators // Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator—a review. Austrian J Cardiol. 2017;24(9/10):206–11.

    Google Scholar 

  78. Reek S, Burri H, Roberts PR, Perings C, Epstein AE, Klein HU, et al. The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: current technology and evolving indications. Europace. 2017;19(3):335–45.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Reek S, Geller JC, Meltendorf U, Wollbrueck A, Szymkiewicz SJ, Klein HU. Clinical efficacy of a wearable defibrillator in acutely terminating episodes of ventricular fibrillation using biphasic shocks. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2003;26(10):2016–22.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Klein HU, Meltendorf U, Reek S, Smid J, Kuss S, Cygankiewicz I, et al. Bridging a temporary high risk of sudden arrhythmic death. Experience with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD). Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2010;33:353–67.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Feldman AM, Klein H, Tchou P, Murali S, Hall WJ, Mancini D, et al. Use of a wearable defibrillator in terminating tachyarrhythmias in patients at high risk for sudden death: results of WEARIT/BIROAD. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2004;27(1):4–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Sharma PS, Bordachar P, Ellenbogen KA. Indications and use of the wearable cardiac defibrillator. Eur Heart J. 2017;38(4):258–67.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Kutyifa V, Moss AJ, Klein H, Biton Y, McNitt S, MacKecknie B, et al. Use of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator in high-risk cardiac patients data from the prospective registry of patients using the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WEARIT-II registry). Circulation. 2015;132(17):1613–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Epstein AE, Abraham WT, Bianco NR, Kern KB, Mirro M, Rao SV, et al. Wearable cardioverter-defibrillator use in patients perceived to be at high risk early post-myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;62(21):2000–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Chung MK, Szymkiewicz SJ, Shao M, Zishiri E, Niebauer MJ, Lindsay BD, et al. Aggregate national experience with the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator: event rates, compliance, and survival. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56(3):194–203.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  86. Ponikowski P, Voors A. 2016 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: the task force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European society of cardiology (ESC): developed with the special contribution. Russ J Cardiol. 2017;141:7–81.

    Google Scholar 

  87. Wäßnig NK, Günther M, Quick S, Pfluecke C, Rottstädt F, Szymkiewicz SJ, et al. Experience with the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. Circulation. 2016;134(9):635–43.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  88. Odeneg T, Ebner C, Mortl D. Indications for and outcome in patients with the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD)—results of the austrian WCD registry. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2016;128:229.

    Google Scholar 

  89. Olgin JE, Pletcher MJ, Vittinghoff E, Wranicz J, Malik R, Morin DP, et al. Wearable cardioverter–defibrillator after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2018;379(13):1205–15.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  90. Niwano S, Sekiguchi Y, Ishii Y, Iwasaki Y, Kato R, Okamura H, et al. Clinical usefulness of wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) and current understanding of its clinical indication in Japan. Circ J. 2018;82(6):1481–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  91. Johansson I, Strömberg A. Experiences of driving and driving restrictions in recipients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator—the patient perspective. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2010;25(6):E1–10.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Eckert M, Jones T. How does an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) affect the lives of patients and their families? Int J Nurs Pract. 2002;8(3):152–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Timmermans I, Jongejan N, Meine M, Doevendans P, Tuinenburg A, Versteeg H. Decreased quality of life due to driving restrictions after cardioverter defibrillator implantation. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2018;33(5):474–80.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Hickey K, Curtis AB, Lancaster S, Larsen G, Warwick D, McAnulty J, et al. Baseline factors predicting early resumption of driving after life-threatening arrhythmias in the Antiarrhythmics versus Implantable Defibrillators (AVID) trial. Am Heart J. 2001;142(1):99–104.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Mylotte D, Sheahan RG, Nolan PG, Neylon MA, McArdle B, Constant O, et al. The implantable defibrillator and return to operation of vehicles study. Europace. 2013;15(2):212–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Bjerre J, Rosenkranz SH, Christensen AM, Schou M, Jøns C, Gislason G, et al. Driving following defibrillator implantation: development and pilot results from a nationwide questionnaire. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2018;18(1):212.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  97. Dicarlo LA, Winston SA, Honoway S, Reed P. Driving restrictions advised by midwestern cardiologists implanting cardioverter defibrillators: present practices, criteria utilized, and compatibility with existing state laws. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1992;15:1131–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Jongejan N, Timmermans I, Elders J, Meijer K, Meine M, Doevendans PA, et al. Driving restrictions for Dutch patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator compliance and associated factors. Neth Heart J. 2018;26(2):69–75.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Vijgen J, Albrecht M, Kumar A, Steen T, Tant M, Lerecouvreux M, et al. New standards for driving and cardiovascular diseases. 2013. https://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/sites/roadsafety/files/pdf/behavior/driving_and_cardiovascular_disease_final.pdf.

  100. Mârgulescu AD, Anderson MH. A review of driving restrictions in patients at risk of syncope and cardiac arrhythmias associated with sudden incapacity: differing global approaches to regulation and risk. Arrhythmia Electrophysiol Rev. 2019;8(2):90–98.

  101. Van Erven L, Schalij MJ. Troubleshooting implantable cardioverter-defibrillator related problems. Heart. 2008;94(5):649–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Wilkoff BL, Fauchier L, Stiles MK, Aguinaga L, Morillo CA, Al-khatib SM, et al. Corrigendum to: 2015 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement on optimal implantable cardioverter-defibrillator programming and testing (Europace (2016) 2 (159–183)). Europace. 2017;19(4):580.

    Google Scholar 

  103. Abboud J, Ehrlich J. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy to avoid Implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks. Arrhythmia Electrophysiol Rev. 2016;5(2):117.

    Google Scholar 

  104. The British Heart Foundation. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).. https://www.bhf.org.uk/. Accessed 2 Jan 2018.

  105. Ross D, Simpson A, Dorian P, Essebag V, Gupta A, Hamilton R, et al. Assessment of the cardiac patient for fitness to drive and fly—final report. In: Can Cardiovasc Soc Consens Conf. 2003. pp. 1–111. Available from: http://www.ccs.ca/images/Guidelines/Guidelines_POS_Library/DF_CC_2003.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  106. Burger AL, Stojkovic S, Schmidinger H, Ristl R, Pezawas T. Defensive implantable cardioverter-defibrillator programming is safe and reduces inappropriate therapy—comparison of 3 programming strategies in 1,471 patients. Circ J. 2018;82(12):2976–82.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Herz-Jesu Krankenhaus, Baumgasse 20A, 1030, Vienna, Austria

    Mona Cooper M.D.

  2. Göttlicher Heiland Krankenhaus, Dornbacher Straße 20–28, 1170, Vienna, Austria

    Theresa Berent M.D.

  3. Department of Medicine I, Cardiology and Intensive Care, Krankenhaus St. Josef Braunau, Ringstraße 60, 5280, Braunau, Austria

    Johann Auer

  4. HerzReha Bad Ischl, Gartenstraße 9, 4820, Bad Ischl, Austria

    Robert Berent

Authors
  1. Mona Cooper M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Theresa Berent M.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Johann Auer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Robert Berent
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert Berent.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

M. Cooper, T. Berent, J. Auer, and R. Berent declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cooper, M., Berent, T., Auer, J. et al. Recommendations for driving after implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and the use of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator. Wien Klin Wochenschr 132, 770–781 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-020-01675-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-020-01675-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation