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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Sexual concerns and educational needs after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Elaine E Steinke1, Kathy Gill-Hopple, Dara Valdez
1Wichita State University, School of Nursing, Wichita, Kansas 67260, USA.
Background:
Patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) describe anxiety, fears, and other psychosocial issues, although sexual concerns are not well understood.
Purpose:
The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experiences of patients and partners with return to sexual activity post-ICD implantation.
Participants:
Subjects were 12 patients with an ICD (10 men, 2 women) and 4 partners (1 man, 3 women). Most patients with an ICD and partners were age 55 years or older, with a mean age of 62 years for patients and 47 years for partners.
Methods:
A semistructured interview was used to explore the meaning and influence of the ICD on the sexual relationship. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach.
Results:
Themes identified were (1) anxiety and apprehension, with subthemes of partner overprotectiveness and fear of ICD discharge with sexual activity; (2) varying interest and pattern of sexual activity; (3) powerfulness of ICD discharge; and (4) a need for information and sexual counseling.
Implications:
Additional research is needed to further understand the experience of ICD discharge with sexual activity and to develop educational strategies.
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