2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

17.32 Private drivers who have an ICD implanted as secondary prophylaxis forsustained VTThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations for private driverswho have had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implanted as asecondary prophylaxis for sustained VT with no impaired level ofconsciousness.ApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesWhen implanted as a secondary prophylaxis, the ICD is implanted toprevent sudden cardiac death in individuals who have survived a cardiacarrest or who suffer from malignant arrhythmias that do not respond readilyto medical treatment.Individuals whose ICD also regulates pacing for bradycardia must also meetthe guidelines for permanent pacemakers outlined in 17.29.If further information regarding an individual’s medical condition isrequired, OSMV will request: a Driver’s Medical Examination Report additional information from the treating physician, or an assessment from a cardiologist.Individuals may drive if: they are assessed as NYHA Class I, II or III it has been at least 1 week since ICD implant it has been 3 months or more since their last episode of sustained VT,and they have their ICD checked regularly at an ICD clinic and the checksreveal no ICD malfunction.OSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: they are assessed as NYHA Class I, II or III it has been at least 3 months since their last episode of sustained VT there is no evidence of ICD malfunction, and they have not suffered an impaired level of consciousness or disabilityas a result of delivery of ICD therapy within the past six months.OSMV will impose the following condition on an individual who has beentreated with an ICD and is found fit to drive: you must report to OSMV if you suffer an impaired level ofconsciousness or disability as a result of delivery of ICD therapy.No restrictions are required.If the individual’s condition is controlled and stable, OSMV will re-assessevery five years, unless a shorter period is recommended by the treatingphysician or routine age-related re-assessment applies.192