Time to resumption of driving after implantation of an automatic defibrillator (from the Dual chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator [DAVID] trial)

Abstract

The time to resumption of driving after insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was evaluated in the Dual Chamber And VVI Implantable Defibrillator trial. Most patients were advised not to drive for 3 to 6 months after the ICD was implanted. Patients were surveyed at 3-, 6-, or 9-month intervals to characterize their driving habits, with 101 of 137 (73.7%), 98 of 146 (67.1%), and 79 of 135 (58.5%) responding. Of respondents, 82% recalled being told not to drive for a specified time after ICD implantation. These patients generally obeyed recommendations (association between recommended time and time of resumption, p <0.001) from medical personnel.