Others are fearful of having sexual relations. I. Effects of Device Treatment Having an ICD involves having an operation to implant the device, which includes a generator and leads. The patient must visit the doctor every two to three months to have the device checked. About every three years, the patient must have surgery to replace the generator. The device can be felt at the waistline where it is worn.
Some patients experience few or no shocks from their devices, while others experience many shocks.
In a small percent of the cases, there are mechanical problems with the devices. Most patients find the devices reassuring, but a few have so many problems that they want the device removed. Well, that's what it feels like. It goes, Pow. So it's nothing.