Tests and Procedures

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)

Risks

Possible risks of having an ICD implanted include:

  • Infection at the implant site
  • Swelling, bleeding or bruising
  • Blood vessel damage from ICD leads
  • Bleeding around your heart, which can be life-threatening
  • Blood leaking through the heart valve (regurgitation) where the ICD lead is placed
  • Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)