Medical fitness-to-drive of persons with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

In this advisory report a Health Council committee re-evaluates the medical fitness to drive of individuals with a so-called implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Under current legislation, these individuals are subject to an absolute ban on driving. Since the mid-1990s, it has been stated in the scientific literature that, subject to certain conditions, some ICD recipients may be declared fit to drive a motor vehicle. The European Directive also appears to leave some scope in this respect.

Based on a risk assessment — and taking into account the current scope of ICD implantation — the committee concludes that two sub-groups of ICD recipients may, under certain circumstances, be declared medically fit to drive — and then exclusively for driving licences falling under group 1 (light motor vehicles). Moreover, fitness to drive will, in any case, only apply following an observation period of six months after ICD implantation. The two sub-groups in question are: individuals who have received an ICD for prophylactic reasons and low-risk patients in whom an ICD has been implanted primarily for therapeutic reasons.

The committee presents a proposal to amend the current legislation.