Implantation, programming and follow-up of a cardic pacemaker

A permanent cardiac pacemaker is implanted for treating disturbances in the heart’s action potential and conduction. A cardiologist or another physician, after consulting with the cardiologist, will decide on the indication for implanting the pacemaker and schedule a time for it.

We perform the following procedures:

• Implantation and programming of a pacemaker
• Follow-up of a pacemaker
• pacemaker battery replacement

If a patient uses blood thinning medications, then the use of these prior to surgery will be organised by the referring physician. The pacemaker’s battery is usually implanted on the left side under the collarbone, and the surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. The impulse from the battery is transferred to the heart via electrodes which originate from the battery and proceed through blood vessels to the heart.

After implantation, the pacemaker’s operating mode will be programmed. The patient must remain in the hospital for 2 days, and the family physician will usually remove the surgical sutures after 1 week. The first inspection of the pacemaker (and reprogramming, if required) will be performed 1 month after implanting the pacemaker. Subsequent follow-up of the pacemaker will be performed during a visit to the cardiologist after 1 to 2 years. If the pacemaker’s battery has been depleted, the battery will be replaced during surgery.

Consultation on the installation of a permanent pacemaker by a cardiology nurse by phone 530 7388 Tue 13.00-14.30 and Wed 8.00-12.00