Should conversations about ICD deactivation happen at the time of insertion?
Some ICD recipients felt that ICD deactivation should be discussed if there was a change in their condition, and if their condition had deteriorated. They felt that patients should be of sound mind but had definitely progressed to 'end of life'. Patients felt that physicians could predict when this change could result in death, and that ICD deactivation should be discussed as a reminder of the options and to determine preferences. Similarly, other patients felt that discussions of deactivation should not happen at the time of insertion. This is because of the emotional distress it would cause, and how overwhelming the information would be.