Driving licence and ICD – do they go together?

Abstract:

In recent decades, we have witnessed an increase in average life expectancy and an increasing proportion of well-controlled chronic conditions in patients. We attribute this to the accelerated advancement of technology and the application of technological discoveries in medicine. One such is the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) which has proven in many studies its role in preventing sudden cardiac death in at-risk patients. Such patients are in a functionally good condition for most of their time and therefore present a challenge in assessing the risk that their condition, due to which their ICD has been implanted, would pose to others people around them. One of the most common such situations is driving a motor vehicle, which some patients consider a basic necessity of life, whether it is a personal car or professional driving. Professional drivers with an ICD indication or with an already installed ICD are not allowed to drive for professional purposes. Private drivers are allowed to drive with a time limit which depends on the type of indication for the implantation of the ICD (primary or secondary), the functionality of the device, the occurrence and correct detection of arrhythmia.

Key words:
driving licence; implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD); malignant arrhythmia; occupational medicine; professional drivers; sudden cardiac arrest