Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are small, battery-powered devices implanted in the chest to regulate the heart’s rate and rhythm. Pacemakers correct slow heart rhythms (bradycardias) and ICDs correct fast heart rhythms (tachycardias). We implant both devices here at York Hospital.
Device maintenance
Patients with pacemakers and ICDs need to have their devices checked to monitor their clinical effectiveness and the status of the batteries and electronics. Clinic visits usually occur every three to four months, but could be more frequent depending on several factors, such as how old the device is or whether it needs to be readjusted because of changes in your medical status.
Phone follow-ups
We also schedule phone follow-ups for pacemaker patients. You’ll use a special transmitter to send an EKG to the clinic over the phone, making it easy to check your pacemaker from home or on the go, without having to come to the clinic every time. Typically, you’ll be scheduled for phone pacer checks once every three months, with one clinic visit scheduled per year.