Can my ICD battery be recharged and the ICD implanted in someone else?

No. ICDs are designed for single-patient use only and must not be reused. This is a regulatory requirement in the UK and across the EU — all implantable medical devices are classified as single-use once explanted. Reusing an explanted ICD would be illegal and dangerous: it is impossible to guarantee the complete removal of body tissue or fluid from the device, and sterility cannot be assured after removal, creating a serious risk of infection and adverse reaction. The electronics and battery may also have degraded in ways that are not externally visible.

When an ICD battery reaches end of service, the generator is replaced with a new device. The old device is disposed of in accordance with medical waste regulations.

Leave a comment

Item added to cart.
0 items - £0.00