Traveling with a defibrillator

Back to the rhythm of life

As you begin feeling well, it’s natural to begin traveling again. It’s safe to travel with a subcutaneous or transvenous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD or TV-ICD) device as long as you talk to your doctor, carry your Medical Device ID Card, and understand the following precautions before taking off.

Older husband and wife in the airport looking at a mobile device

Airport security

Going through airport security can be confusing even for people without an implanted device. To help make the process easier, be sure to show your Medical Device ID Card at the first security station. This card identifies you as an implanted device patient. After showing your card, follow the security staff’s directions. Because your defibrillator contains metal parts it may cause some security systems to alarm. Depending on the airport security system, the staff may do one of the following:

Send you through the security full body scanner. The Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) full body scanner will show your device on their image, but it will not sound an alarm while you are inside the scanner. In addition, the full body scanner will not harm your device, or change the programmed settings
Use a hand-held security wand. If held over your device for too long, airport security wands could temporarily affect your device. If a wand must be used, tell the security officer that you have an implanted defibrillator and to avoid holding the wand over your implanted area
Do a hand-pat search. If you request a hand-pat search, it can be conducted in a private area away from public view

Note: You may be asked to show your Medical Device ID Card or to stand aside for a hand-pat search.

Medical device ID card

Whether you’re running a quick errand or going away for an extended trip, it’s important to carry your Medical Device ID Card with you at all times. In an emergency, your card will let medical and security personnel know that you have an implanted device. In addition to your Medical Device ID Card, Boston Scientific offers a security card for international travel. The card explains that your implanted device may trigger airport security alarms and is printed in 13 languages. To get a Medical Device Patient Security Card, call us at 1-866-484-3268.

Medical Device ID Card - Front

Medical Device ID Card - Back

Boston Scientific Medical Device ID Card

Find a heart specialist while you’re traveling

You can search for facilities nationwide and internationally that treat patients with Boston Scientific TV-ICD and S-ICD devices should you need assistance while traveling.

Find a TV-ICD specialist

Find an S-ICD specialist

We’re here to help

Our patient services team is here to support you throughout your journey.

(866) 484-3268

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Important Safety Information

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is designed to monitor and treat heart rhythm problems, greatly reducing the risks associated with them. These devices are sensitive to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be affected by certain sources of electric or magnetic fields. Some of the risks encountered during the implant procedure include, but are not limited to, the following: Bleeding, formation of a blood clot, damage to adjacent structures (tendons, muscles, nerves), puncture of a lung or vein, damage to the heart (perforation or tissue damage), dangerous arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, death. Some of the risks encountered after the ICD system is implanted may include, but are not limited to, the following: Infection, erosion of the skin near your device, lead(s) may move out of place in the heart, device may move from the original implant site, difficulty coping with having an implanted device. The device might be prevented from shocking or pacing due to electromagnetic interference. Electrodes on the lead or the pacing pulses may cause an irritation or damaging effect on the surrounding tissues, including heart tissue and nerves. You may receive a shock or pacing therapy when it is not needed (unnecessary therapy). The device might not be able to detect or appropriately treat your heart rhythms. The device may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. With all medical procedures there are risks associated. In rare cases device failure or death can occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of this system. To obtain a copy of the device Patient Handbook for more detailed device safety information, go to www.bostonscientific.com, or you can request a copy by calling 1-866-484-3268 or writing to Boston Scientific, 4100 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55112. Rx only

S-ICD™ System
Important Safety Information

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is designed to monitor and treat heart rhythm problems, greatly reducing the risks associated with them. These devices are sensitive to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be affected by certain sources of electric or magnetic fields. As with all ICD systems, there are risks associated with the S-ICD System. Some of the risks that may be encountered during the implant procedure include the following: Formation of a blood clot; damage to adjacent structures (tendons, muscles, nerves); injury to or pain in upper extremity including clavicle, shoulder, and arm; dangerous arrhythmias; stroke. After the system is implanted, other infrequent risks may occur, including: Infection; erosion of the skin near your device; electrode and device may move out of place; fainting (syncope); delivery of a shock or therapy when it is not needed (unnecessary therapy); inability to detect or appropriately treat your heart rhythms due to electromagnetic interference or malfunction; difficulty coping with having an implanted device; bleeding or formation of a blood clot (hematoma); pain and discomfort; injury to or pain in upper extremity including clavicle, shoulder, and arm; allergic reaction; need for surgical replacement. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. In rare cases severe complications can occur, such as device failures or death. Your physician should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you and describe the appropriate medical care. Refer to the product labeling for specific indications, contraindications, warnings/precautions and adverse events. Rx only

Device Quality and Reliability

It is Boston Scientific’s intent to provide implantable devices of high quality and reliability. However, these devices may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. Refer to Boston Scientific’s CRM product performance report on www.bostonscientific.com for more information about device performance, including the types and rates of malfunctions that these devices have experienced historically. While historical data may not be predictive of future device performance, such data can provide important context for understanding the overall reliability of these types of products. Also, it is important that you talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of a device.

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