Now you have had your pacemaker, loop recorder, implantable defibrillator or Bi-ventricular pacemaker fitted it is important that you attend the pacing clinic for regular follow-up checks. In order to check that the device is working properly and its battery life is sufficient.
These checks will be performed by a pacemaker physiologist.
At your first visit 4-6 weeks after implant, we will check the wound site and may reprogram the device appropriately for each patient.
After this check is completed satisfactorily we will give you another appointment. This will be booked before you leave the clinic and written on your patient appointment card.
For some patients further device follow-up may be able to be performed remotely from your home.
The pacing physiologist will discuss this with you and make arrangements if this is appropriate for you.
Please remember to carry your European Pacemaker identification card with you at all times.
If you are ever taken ill in an emergency, medical personnel will then have access to essential information regarding your device.
Post implant wound care
Your wound has been closed using a Medical Tissue adhesive (Glue). It has been applied to your wound and replaces stitches.
The following points will help you care for your wound in the following days.
- Your wound will have the appearance of a dry scab and should be treated as such - ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD YOU PICK THIS OFF THE WOUND - It will flake off as the wound heals
- Your wound is water resistant but should be kept clean and dry. Light showering is permitted the day after implant. The wound should be patted dry. Do not immerse your wound in water for long periods of time.
- Don’t cover it with anything as this will stop the wound from “breathing” make it soggy and can cause infection.
- At first the scar will appear bright red. It will take at least six months to one year to fade to its final colour.
- If the appearance of your wound changes, if you notice any discharge or if the wound becomes painful red, or swollen. If you have any concerns, contact your General Practitioner (GP) or alternatively the Pacing Physiologists on 0161 206 4748 or 0161 206 4726.
Arm movements
We advise you do not move the arm vigorously on the side which your pacemaker is implanted for several weeks after implantation. Try not to lift the arm above your head for 2 weeks.
Gentle shoulder rotation performed daily will help to prevent stiffness.
Lifting heavy objects or pushing or pulling is not advised during the healing process.
Driving
Loop recorders
Having a loop recorder implanted does not prohibit you from driving, but the reason for its implantation may stop you from being allowed to drive. e.g. blackouts.
This must be discussed with your Consultant prior to implant.
Pacemakers
If you hold a Group 1 driving licence you must wait for 1 week post implantation before you are allowed to drive.
If you hold a Group 2 driving licence, driving is prohibited for 6 weeks post implantation.
You must inform the DVLA you have had a pacemaker fitted.
Implantable defibrillators
If you hold a group 1 driving licence you must wait 6 months post implantation before resuming driving.
If the Defibrillator delivers a shock for an irregular heart Rhythm, you must wait 6 months before resuming driving.
If the delivered shock is inappropriate, this will be decided by your consultant, you can drive 1 month after the shock.
If you need to have a lead repositioned or your Doctor starts you on a new antiarrhythmic drug you must wait 1 month before driving.
If you hold a group 2 driving licence you will be unable to drive these vehicles after implantation of a defibrillator.
You must inform the DVLA you have had a defibrillator implanted.
Bi-ventricular pacemakers
You must inform the DVLA you have had a Bi-ventricular pacemaker fitted.
Some devices are Bi-ventricular/defibrillators restrictions will be discussed at implant.
To contact the DVLA:
- You can telephone them on: Telephone 0300 790 6806 (car or motorcycle) or 0300 790 6807 (bus, coach or lorry)
- Fax: 0845 850 0095
- You can contact them on-line: Website: www.dvla.gov.uk
- You can write to: Drivers Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU
Travelling abroad
Before you pass through security at an air or sea port you need to inform security staff you have a device. You will also need to show your European pacemaker identification card. A different security check may be performed using a hand held scanner rather than placing you through the usual detectors. Please notify your insurance company of your Pacemaker/ICD/loop recorder/ Bi-ventricular pacemaker.
If you have a Medtronic device you can contact them at:
Website: www.medtronic.co.uk to obtain information regarding hospitals available in the area of your travel.
If you have a Boston Scientific device you can contact them on:
Website: www.bostonscientific.com/lifebeat-online/resources/ traveling-patient.html
The British Heart Foundation may be able to help in your search for Insurance. They can be contacted on:
Telephone: 0300 330 3311
Website: www.bhf.org.uk
Mobile/cordless telephones
You are allowed to use a mobile / cordless phone but you must use it in the opposite ear to you pacemaker and try to keep it 16cm (6 inches) away from you pacemaker at all times.
DO NOT store your phone in a breast pocket over the pacemaker site.
Hobbies/occupations
Some instruments used in hobbies or occupations may interfere with your device e.g arc welding, induction hobs.
It is important that you don’t stand too close to electronic security gates found in retail shop doorways.
If you walk in and out of shop doorways normally these security gates should not affect your device.
Please contact your pacemaker clinic if you are unsure about using items.
Useful contact numbers
Pacemaker Clinic
Telephone: 0161 206 4748
Telephone: 0161 206 4726
Email: cri@nca.nhs.uk
Address: The Pacemaker Clinic, Cardiorespiratory Investigations, Salford Royal Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD
Pacing clinic are held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon’s
Heart Care Unit - Telephone: 0161 206 5005
Heart Failure Team - Telephone: 0161 206 1321
Cardiac Rehabilitation Team for I.C.D. Patients - Telephone: 0161 212 4206
Date of Review: January 2024
Date of Next Review: January 2026
Ref No: PI_M_1574 (Salford)