Pacemaker/Defibrillator Clinic
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device implanted permanently into the body to help keep your heart beating at the right pace. The pacemaker monitors the electrical impulses in the heart and when needed, delivers an electrical stimuli to make the heart beat (contract) in a more normal rhythm.
A defibrillator is implanted under your skin below the collar bone. A defibrillator continuously monitors your heart. If a dangerous and potential lethal heart rate is detected, an electrical signal is sent to correct it. If the potentially lethal heart rate continues, the implantable defibrillator will deliver a necessary life-saving shock and restore your heart to a more normal rate.
There are multiple reasons why you might need a pacemaker. Some of the most common are when the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or has abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias). In some cases, pacemakers treat the symptoms of heart failure. Defibrillators are implanted when there is a history or recorded lethal arrhythmia.
Once a CCMA physician or another physician inserts a pacemaker, you will receive follow-up care by one of our cardiologists and have your pacemaker checked in CCMA’s Pacemaker Clinic. Even if one of our cardiologists was not the one who implanted the pacemaker, or you are new to the area and looking for a cardiologist or need to have your pacemaker checked, patients can make an appointment to see one of our cardiologists and can have their device checked.
Pacemaker/Defibrillator follow-up care includes the repeat assessment of the pacing system and of the patient to ensure optimal pacer function and to prevent pacemaker/defibrillator-related problems. Frequency of monitoring varies depending on the type of pacemaker, your condition, and the length of time after the implant. Frequency of follow-up appointments is determined by your cardiologist and is usually every 3 to 6 months, or more frequent if necessary.