For patients with an who are terminally ill or nearing natural death, the device can become a burden rather than a benefit.
Sudden death in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients defibrillator death
: Historically, some deaths have been linked to lead failure (broken wires) or pulse generator malfunctions. For patients with an who are terminally ill
When a person suffers a cardiac arrest in public, the use of an is critical to survival. : Deactivating an ICD allows for a natural
: Deactivating an ICD allows for a natural and peaceful death. If left on, the device may continue to deliver painful shocks as the heart naturally fails, which can be distressing for both the patient and their family.
: Turning off an ICD does not cause immediate death. It simply ensures that the patient will not receive unnecessary shocks during their final moments.