ICDs and Their Use Cases: What the Christian Eriksen Situation Can Teach Us

During an international match between Denmark and Ukraine on 7th June 2026, Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. He managed to regain consciousness and leave the pitch on his own accord, thanks to his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) triggering and correcting the cardiac issue.

Because of this occurring on an international stage, viewers, as well as people engaging in the news cycle, have once again been drawn to Eriksen’s ongoing heart issues and his need to have an ICD implanted, a device that, naturally, a lot of people have questions about, particularly over what it is and when it needs to be fitted.

What is an ICD

An ICD is a small device that is fitted to the heart that monitors the heart for ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other life-threatening arrhythmias. The device is implanted beneath the collarbone and connected to the heart via thin wires called leads. When the ICD detects a dangerous heart rhythm, it delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

When an ICD is needed

An ICD is implanted when a person has experienced or is at high risk of experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias that could cause sudden cardiac arrest. Your doctor will recommend an ICD based on diagnostic test results (echocardiogram, ECG, Holter monitor) and your medical history.

Common conditions that warrant an ICD include:

• Ventricular fibrillation: the heart’s lower chambers quiver chaotically instead of beating effectively, preventing blood flow to the brain and body
• Ventricular tachycardia: an abnormally fast heartbeat originating in the lower chambers, which can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation if left untreated
• Coronary heart disease with a history of heart attacks: particularly if the heart’s pumping ability has been weakened
• Cardiomyopathy: a condition where the heart muscle becomes enlarged or stiffened, making it harder to pump blood
• Certain inherited conditions that increase the risk of dangerous arrhythmias, such as long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome

An ICD may also be recommended as a preventative measure for people at high risk of sudden cardiac death, even if they haven’t yet experienced a life-threatening arrhythmia. This was the case with Christian Eriksen, whose underlying heart condition (a condition that hasn’t been disclosed to the public at the time of writing) placed him at risk, and the device ultimately prevented a tragic outcome.

The ICD implantation procedure

ICD implantation is a surgical procedure that typically takes between one and three hours, if that is the course of action that has been decided by a medical professional. The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, meaning you remain conscious but relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Your surgeon will make a small incision beneath your collarbone, usually on the left side. Through this incision, they insert thin wires called leads into a vein and thread them into your heart. The ICD device itself, which is roughly the size of a stopwatch, is then placed under the skin in a pocket created just beneath the collarbone.

The procedure involves several key steps:

• Accessing the vein: A small incision is made to access the subclavian or cephalic vein beneath the collarbone
• Inserting the leads: One, two, or three leads are threaded through the vein into the heart chambers, depending on the type of ICD
• Positioning the device: The ICD generator is positioned in the pocket beneath the skin and connected to the leads
• Testing the system: Your surgeon tests the device to ensure it detects and responds correctly to heart rhythms
• Closing the incision: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.

Most people go home the following day, though some may stay overnight for monitoring. Your doctor will provide specific post-procedure instructions based on your individual situation.

Recovery and living with an ICD

Most people return to light activities within days and resume normal work within 4 to 8 weeks, though your individual recovery depends on your surgeon’s instructions and your healing progress.

In the first few weeks after surgery:

• Wound care: Keep the incision site clean and dry, following your surgeon’s dressing instructions until stitches are removed (usually after 7 to 10 days)
• Activity restrictions: Avoid lifting anything heavier than 2.5 kilograms and do not raise your arm above shoulder height on the side of the implant for the first 4 to 6 weeks
• Driving: Most people can resume driving after 1 week if they feel physically ready, though this varies by region and doctor’s advice
• Work and exercise: Light activities can resume within days, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or contact sports for at least 4 to 6 weeks
• Sleep position: Sleep with your arm supported on the side of the implant to reduce strain on the surgical site

Beyond the initial healing phase, living with an ICD involves ongoing monitoring and lifestyle adjustments. You will need regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist, typically every 3 to 6 months, where your device is checked and reprogrammed if necessary. Battery life varies depending on how often the device delivers therapy, but ICDs typically last 5 to 7 years before requiring replacement.

There are certain activities and environments you need to avoid as they can interfere with your ICD:

• Strong magnetic fields: Keep away from MRI machines, industrial magnets, and metal detectors (though some newer ICD-compatible MRI machines exist)
• Mobile phones and wireless devices: Keep your mobile phone at least 15 centimetres away from your ICD
• Contact sports: Boxing, rugby, and other full-contact sports should be avoided due to the risk of direct impact to the device
• Airport security: Inform security staff of your ICD; metal detectors may trigger an alarm, but the device will not be damaged

Most people with an ICD return to normal activities and work within 4 to 8 weeks. Physical activity is encouraged, and many people continue with hobbies and sports that do not involve a high risk of impact. Return to competitive sport or high-intensity professional activity depends on your specific condition, your cardiologist’s assessment, and your individual recovery. Christian Eriksen returned to professional football eight months after his ICD implantation, though this outcome varies significantly by the individual and carries a lot of risks, even with protective measures being implemented.

Protecting Yourself With Early Detection

Understanding your heart health is the first step toward preventing a cardiac event. Early detection of arrhythmias through cardiac assessment allows you to discuss treatment options with your doctor before a serious event occurs.

EchoMed provides private cardiac assessments to identify irregular rhythms, structural heart problems, and other conditions that might warrant an ICD. Book an assessment today to understand your cardiac risk.

FAQs

Why would I need an ICD if I haven’t had a cardiac event yet?

An ICD can be recommended as a preventative measure for people at high risk of sudden cardiac death, even without a previous cardiac event. Your doctor will assess your condition, medical history, and test results to determine whether preventative implantation is appropriate.

How soon after implantation can I return to work?

Most people resume normal work within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on their healing progress and the surgeon’s instructions.

Can I exercise after ICD implantation?

Yes. Physical activity is encouraged. Return to competitive sport or high-intensity activity depends on your specific condition and your cardiologist’s assessment.

What restrictions apply to my daily life?

Avoid strong magnetic fields, keep your mobile phone at least 15 centimetres away from your device, and inform airport security about your ICD. Contact sports should be avoided due to the risk of impact.

How do I know if my ICD needs replacing?

Your cardiologist will monitor your device during regular appointments, typically every 3 to 6 months. ICDs typically last 5 to 7 years before requiring replacement.