2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

17.34 Private drivers who have an ICD implanted as secondary prophylaxis for VFor VTThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations for privatedrivers who have had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)implanted as a secondary prophylaxis for VF or VT with an impairedlevel of consciousness.ApplicationAssessment guidelinesFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesWhen implanted as a secondary prophylaxis, the ICD is implanted toprevent sudden cardiac death in individuals who have survived acardiac arrest or who suffer from malignant arrhythmias that do notrespond readily to medical treatment.Individuals whose ICD also regulates pacing for bradycardia mustalso meet the 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 it has been at least 6 months since their lastepisode of sustained symptomatic VT or syncope judged to be likelydue to VT or cardiac arrest.OSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: it has been at least 6 months since their last episode of sustainedsymptomatic VT or syncope judged to be likely due to VT orcardiac arrest there is no evidence of ICD malfunction, and they have not suffered an impaired level of consciousness ordisability as a result of delivery of ICD therapy within the past sixmonths.OSMV will impose the following condition on an individual who hasbeen treated 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 reassessevery five years, unless a shorter period is recommended bythe treating physician or routine age-related re-assessment applies.194