Pacemaker, ICD, SICD, and Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR)

Pacemakers and ICDs are a small electrical device that gets implanted under the skin to prevent fatal heart arrhythmias.

A Pacemaker is used when your heart beats too slow.

An ICD is used when your heart beats too slow or too fast.

The SICD is used the same as an ICD but the leads do not go into your heart.

An ILR is used only to record your heart rhythm.

Prepping for a device implant:

If you take Coumadin or Warfarin STOP taking it five full days prior to the procedure and you will need to take Lovenox

If you take Aspirin or Plavix STOP taking it three full days prior to the procedure

If you take Eliquis, Pradaxa, or Xarelto STOP taking it one full day prior to the procedure

Continue taking all of your other medications. Bring your medications (or an updated list) with you the day of your procedure

If you are taking any diuretics or medications for diabetes (pills or insulin), do not take those medications in the AM of the procedure, unless otherwise instructed by our office. If you are taking insulin please hold the AM dose

Someone must accompany you to the hospital and take you home after the procedure

Click here for a printer friendly prep sheet!

After implant instructions:

Take the bandage off when you get home

Do not use any soaps to wash the wound, just let water run over it. Do not rub it, pat it dry. Do not pick the glue off please let it fall off naturally

NO lifting your arm above your head until your doctor approves

Take your antibiotics as prescribed.

Please where your arm sling to prevent pulling the leads out of your heart

Make sure you come to your device checks

Follow up within one week for a wound check to prevent infection, this is a quick and free visit