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Device follow-up

You may need to have a device implanted, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, to help manage an abnormal heart rhythm.

The procedure to implant your device will be carried out in the cardiac catheter labs but we will manage your follow-up care. As part of your routine follow-up appointment we will automatically download information from the device.

Pacemaker

You may need to have a pacemaker fitted if your heart beats too slowly, too irregularly or if you are at risk of blackouts. Pacemakers stimulate contractions of the heart by sending electrical signals to the heart each time it fails to beat on its own. They are usually fitted to the upper left side of the chest with leads secured into the heart muscle.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

Your doctor may decide that you need to have an ICD implanted because you have survived a cardiac arrest or you're considered to be at risk of developing a potentially life threatening heart rhythm.

The ICD will treat the fast impulses from your heart's ventricles, by either pacing you out of your fast rhythm or by delivering shock therapy. Although this is not pleasant it is lifesaving.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) - patient information
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Implantable devices for heart failure

We're one of the only units in the UK to implant devices for heart failure therapy. This involves the placement of a pacemaker lead to the left side of the heart to resynchronise the heart's contractions. This treatment is now an established treatment for selected heart failure patients to improve their heart function, quality of life, and minimise hospital admissions. 

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy pacemaker (CRT-P) - patient information
Size: 205KBType: pdf
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy implantable cardioverter defibrillator (CRT-D) - patient information
Size: 214KBType: pdf

Implantable loop recorders

Implantable loop recorders are small devices implanted to monitor the heart's rate and rhythm. They're typically implanted for around three years. Their purpose is to help diagnose abnormal heart rhythms.

Remote monitors

Medtronic

Helpline number: 00800 2666 3282 (please note the two '0' at the start of this number)

Boston Scientific

Helpline number: 0800 678 1644

St Jude Medical

Helpline Number: 0800 389 2714

Frequently asked questions

I haven’t been seen by a member of the CRM team face-to-face for over a year – is this a problem?

We can now review a lot of the same information from your pacemaker or defibrillator from your home monitor as when we see you in our onsite clinic. For some patients, their specific settings will mean seeing us every year, but for some there is no benefit to you to see us onsite! We are happy to book you an onsite appointment if you have a particular problem, often after a discussion over the phone.

What does a remote transmission mean/do?

A remote transmission is where we take all the information from your cardiac device via either your home monitor or your mobile app. You may have to do this manually or it may be automatic – the full details are on each appointment letter you receive. Even if your transmission is automatic, you are sent a letter so you’re aware of when we take the information, and can reschedule if inconvenient.

We will only contact you following your transmission if there is a significant finding, otherwise – no news is good news! If we don’t receive your transmission successfully, we will either call you or send you a new letter for another appointment.

Are you able to tell me if I’m taking the correct medication?

Unfortunately, we are unable to give any advice regarding medications. If you have a query, you would be best placed to contact either your Cardiac consultant or your GP. We may, on occasion, contact either of these medical professionals if we feel they might be able to optimise your medications further.

Can I use this piece of specific machinery/equipment with my device, i.e. TENS machine, garden machinery?

Please contact us either via email or phone call, with the specific make/model details of the piece of machinery/equipment, and we will pass the query onto the manufacturer of your device. If you have a Medtronic device, you can call their helpline number, and they will be able to help directly with the query.

If your dentist has asked you to enquire about their equipment, please pass on our email address and ask them to contact us directly.

I don’t think my home monitor is working.

Please contact the manufacturer’s remote monitor helplines. All phone numbers can be found above.

The lights on my home monitor often flash on overnight/when I enter the room.

This can be completely normal, and is often the monitor doing a software update or ‘checking in’ with your device. Please do not touch the home monitor if you see the lights come on.

Do I need to take my home monitor away with me when I go on holiday?

Generally, this is not necessary. Our rule of thumb is that if you are going away for less than two weeks, then you don’t need to take your monitor, and don’t need to let us know. If you are going away for longer than two weeks, please call to discuss with us. In rare occasions, we may ask you to take your home monitor with you. If you need to turn your home monitor off at the plug socket when you go away, please ensure you remember to turn it back on when you get back!
If you have an appointment that falls during the time of your holiday (onsite or via the home monitor), please call us to rebook your appointment for when you are back!

 I have lost my pacemaker/defibrillator ID card. Can you provide me with a new one?

Yes! Please email or call us with your name, hospital number and date of birth, and we will be able to send you out a new ID card. This should be carried with you at all times. Please also provide your current address, so that we can post it out correctly! Email: crm@uhs.nhs.uk

How do I contact my cardiology consultant?

Please call the hospital switchboard (023 8077 7222) and ask to be put through to your specific consultant’s secretary.