Living at the boundary between life and death: A qualitative study of how patients' lives are impacted by the implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Although the implantation of the cardioverter defibrillator is greatly effective in protecting against sudden cardiac death, for patients it brings with it many physical, social, and emotional problems. This study can contribute to health professionals planning individual education in coping with changes, an increase in group-based counselling to support the sharing of experience, social networks, and monitoring programs to improve care.