What are the risks, benefits, and consequences of cardioverter defibrillator implantation?
The risks, benefits, and consequences of cardioverter defibrillator implantation should be explained following the principles on shared decision making in the NICE guideline on patient experience in adult NHS services. This includes ensuring the person knows that the defibrillator can be deactivated without affecting any cardiac resynchronisation or pacing, and reactivated later. It is also important to explain the circumstances in which deactivation might be offered, and discuss and dispel common misconceptions about the function of the device and the consequences of deactivation. It is also recommended to provide the person and, if they wish, their family or carers with written information covering the information discussed.