The cardiology exams

THE IMPLANTATION OF A PACEMAKER
(and of an AUTOMATIC IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR)

- A few explanations
- Mode and principle of the cardiac stimulation
- Implantation of the cardiac pacemaker
- Possible complications
- Your cardiac pacemaker carrier's follow-up
- What can cause your cardiac pacemaker to malfunction

YOUR CARDIAC PACEMAKER CARRIER’S FOLLOW-UP

After implanting your cardiac pacemaker, a regular follow-up by the centre that implanted it is necessary. This control is aimed at verifying the good functioning of the pacemaker, detecting possible complications and measuring the load of the battery.

The follow-up is composed of a clinical exam, of an electrocardiogram with and without setting up a magnet on the case, but especially of the questioning of the cardiac pacemaker case. This questioning requires a device of the brand of the pacemaker.

The frequency of the controls depends on the type of device implanted and on the occurrence of the symptoms. A first control of the pacemaker is made the day after the implantation, then 8 days later if necessary.

The following control is achieved one to three months later, after complete healingaround the probes. The different parameters are then very frequently modified in order to adapt the best possible waythe pacemaker to the patient.

The intermediate checkings are achieved once a year, with a possible electrocardiogram at the G.P.’s or the consulting cardiologist.

When the battery begins touse up, a more regular control becomes necessary, every three to four months for example. When the battery is nearing its end, as a rule between 7 and 12 years, the replacement of the case is achieved.

At the end of every control, the device interrogating the pacemaker gives out a report on which all information relative to the programming of the pacemaker appears.

You must produce the certificate of implantation of the cardiac pacemaker on every control visit.

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File last modified on june 9, 2006