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. While a high-risk subgroup of patients can be identified where this testing is mandatory, those with good results at implants may be less likely to benefit from further testing. Recent data suggests routine testing is justified due to a low, but potentially life-threatening, device failure rate found during postoperative testing. Additionally, patient education is important in the predischarge period. Patients must be knowledgeable regarding potential environmental electromagnetic interference with normal function of their device. Adequate discharge instructions will help reduce patient anxiety over returning to their normal daily activities, and help them adjust psychologically to their defibrillator.