Targeted physiotherapy in a patient after implantation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator with chronic pain in the ipsilateral shoulder and arm - case report
Abstract
Implantation of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) is considered a minor surgical procedure. In spite of this, a portion of patients with a varying delay from the implantation itself describe pain in the region of the implanted device and the shoulder girdle which negatively affects their daily activities.
This negatively affects their quality of life and it can become an indication for device removal. In a case study, we present a case of a patient implanted with a two-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, who, after several months, developed pain in the area surrounding the ICD pocket, with the pain irradiating to the ipsilateral arm.
Tests and examinations excluded infection, mechanical or vascular causes. The following physiotherapy led to a significant reduction in perceived pain, and reduction in difficulties connected with the pain.
Pain in the area of the implanted CIED and ipsilateral shoulder and arm is a known complication. After excluding other causes, it is possible to use targeted physiotherapy to significantly or completely relieve pain in the area of device implant, as well as in more remote segments of the arm.