Implanted Internal Defibrillators

I have recently had a defibrillator implanted by my doctor. After I recover, what are my chances of going back to diving? I am told that it works as a pacemaker too. 

These implantable devices have been found to benefit patients at a high risk of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or other rhythm defects that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The pacemaker feature will increase the heart rate of the patient if it slows to an inefficient rate.

With or without the pacemaker feature, these internal devices are used to treat potentially life-threatening rhythms. It is the opinion of diving medicine professionals that due to this potential life threat, individuals with these implanted devices are disqualified from diving.

These devices are intended to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, but the heart itself may be in generally poor health which is not compatible with safe diving. As relaxing as diving is there is still an increased work-load placed on the heart. The heart needs to be able to respond effectively to any increased exercise demand, especially in an emergency situation. A heart that is prone to life-threatening rhythms has most likely sustained injury from coronary artery disease or other conditions that affect the muscle tissue of the heart, or its electrical pathways. Any exercise restrictions from the diver’s cardiologist would be a good indicator that diving would hardly be in their best interest.

To date, limited testing has been performed on implantable defibrillators regarding the effects of increased ambient pressure. There is an air space in the device and only limited testing is reported to 40fsw. This is not considered to be an adequate testing-depth for recreational diving. There is no data available to determine what (if any) effect increased ambient pressure may have on the function of the device – especially in terms of repeat exposures.

Any questions a diver may have regarding their particular situation and fitness to dive may contact DAN Medical Services for information. Physicians are encouraged to contact DAN for consultation with a dive medicine physician.