Pacemaker (PM)

What’s Next:
Before:

• Your physician’s office will call to schedule the procedure.
• You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after 12 midnight the night prior to your procedure. Follow your physician’s instructions regarding your medications.
• Bring an overnight bag. You may need to spend the night following your procedure. You may bring pajamas, a change of clothes and toiletries.
• You may not be allowed to drive following your procedure, so transportation home from the hospital should be arranged prior to discharge.
• Blood work, an EKG and / or chest X-ray may be ordered prior to your procedure.
• Bring in a list of your medications. You may be asked to bring in your own medications.

During:

• Upon arrival to the cardiac catheterization or electrophysiology lab you will be transferred to the procedural table.
• You will be connected to a heart monitor.
• The right or left shoulder region will be scrubbed with an antiseptic solution such as betadine.
• Medications necessary for your procedure will be administered through your IV.
• Your physician will numb the access site with a local anesthetic.
• The pacemaker has two components a generator and one or more wires (leads) that your physician will insert.
• A pacemaker does for the heart what the heart’s electrical system cannot do on its own.

After:

• You may be on bedrest overnight.
• Your arm on the pacemaker site may be placed in a sling to prevent movement, or you may be asked to limit movement of the arm and not raise it above your head.
• You will be monitored closely once you are back in your room. An X-ray will be performed once your procedure is complete. A heart monitor will be used to ensure that your pacemaker is functioning properly.
• You may return to your normal household routine, but do not become over-tired.
• Please discuss driving with your physician.
• Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting until your physician gives you permission.
• Your physician will instruct you on any restrictions regarding physical activity at discharge.
• Keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid direct water contact to your incision until after your follow-up visit.
• If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, please notify your physician.
  -Any drainage from your incision site.
  -Increased swelling, redness or tenderness at the site
  -Fever of 100 degrees or greater
  -Recurrence of slow heart rhythm or if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue or shortness of breath.
• You should notify your physician (including dentists) that you have a pacemaker before they care for you.