The psychological impact of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recalls and the durable positive effects of counseling.

Background: It is known that patients with lifesaving devices such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) may be alarmed and worried by recalls or alerts related to their ICDs.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether counseling has any short- or long-term benefits, and to look for characteristics that identify those most worried and those most in need of counseling.

Methods: Among 100 patients with recall or alert ICDs, 14 were pacer dependent; 50 had ICDs for 1 degrees prevention and 22 were women.