Implantation of pacemaker, ICD and CRT

How is the procedure performed?

During the procedure, you lie on a table in the room under an X-ray tube. During the procedure, you lie on your back, and we carefully monitor all vital parameters on the monitors, such as your blood pressure, EKG, blood oxygen level. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia (so you are awake during the procedure). During the procedure, you may feel pressure at the place of implantation of the device or your heart may skip a beat. If these sensations are extremely unpleasant, inform your doctor.

IMPORTANT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR!

Preparation for the procedure:

You need to have basic blood tests no more than 30 days old, which include a complete blood count, electrolyte status, urea, creatinine, INR, blood group.
You must do the INR test the day before admission
You CONTINUE to take anticoagulant medications (also known as “blood thinners”) such as Farin, Sintrom, Marcumar, Xarelto, Eliquis until the day of the procedure. However, if you need additional information, contact our center
You MUST NOT eat or drink after midnight, the day before the procedure
Arrange transportation home the day after the procedure. YOU MUST NOT DRIVE YOURSELF FOR 10 DAYS AFTER THE PROCEDURE.

After the procedure:

After implantation, you usually go home the next day. After discharge from the hospital, reduce the level of your activities for the first 24 hours.

During the first two weeks, you must not raise your arm above shoulder height. For the first 5-6 weeks, do not lift anything heavier than 5 kg. You must not engage in sports during the specified period.

The wound must remain dry during the next 5-7 days. You can bathe but try to keep the wound dry. After two days, you can remove the gauze or patch from the wound. Do not rub the wound with any creams or oils! You remove the sutures from the wound in your clinic after 7-12 days, in agreement with your operator. You may feel a slight pain or pressure at the wound site, for which you can use pain relievers.

Risks of the procedure:

All medical procedures have a risk of complications. When implanting a “pacemaker” there are complications that you need to be aware of:

1 in 100 patients may develop a collapsed lung (Pneumothorax)
2-5 out of 100 patients may experience displacement of the electrode of the device, which requires repositioning (re-procedure) in these patients
1 in 100 people develop a swelling at the site of the wound from the device (so-called hematoma), which very rarely needs to be surgically treated again
complications in the form of wound or device infection are rarely possible, which is why you should contact your doctor if you notice redness or swelling at the wound site

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the procedure painful?

At the implantation site, the doctor will apply local anesthesia, which is why you should not feel pain. You may occasionally feel pressure in the said region. If you feel severe pain during the procedure, be sure to inform the doctor.

Am I awake during the procedure?

That. You can receive medication that will relax you, but you will not sleep during the procedure.

How long do I stay in the hospital?

Most often, after the procedure, you go home the next day.