Pacemaker Implantation Procedure Information

Please follow these steps carefully to help ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Contact your physician prior to your procedure date if:

  • You experience any changes in your health between your most recent visit to your physician and
  • which medications you should the day of your procedure, even minor ones like a temperature, cough or a cold.
  • You suspect that you are pregnant. Anesthesia and medication may be harmful to the developing fetus.
  • You’re allergic to iodine, shellfish, x-ray dye, latex, penicillin, or other medications.
  • You’re diabetic, or have kidney or liver failure.
  • You take medications on a regular basis. Your physician/surgeon may have guidance about or should not take on the day of your procedure.

  • Do not smoke after midnight the day of your procedure.
  • Do not eat anything (including gum, mints, hard candy) after midnight on the day of your procedure. Undigested food in the stomach can cause complications; if you have eaten anything your procedure is likely to be postponed.
  • Take only the medications your doctor has told you to take. If you are diabetic, bring your insulin bottle and syringes with you.

  • Take a bath or shower and brush your teeth.
  • Remove all makeup, jewelry, and contacts. If you must wear contacts, please bring your storage case for use during procedure.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can accommodate a bandage or other type of dressing where the procedure will be performed.
  • Arrive at your scheduled appointment time. You will be admitted to the center and we will begin to prepare you for your procedure.
  • You will be asked to sign a consent form for your procedure, which acknowledges your permission that the physician and facility care for you. If the patient is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must sign this form.

Do bring:

  • All insurance cards.
  • A government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license.
  • A form of payment, if required.
  • A copy of your consent forms and an advance directive, if you have one.
  • If you take insulin, bring the bottle and syringes with you.
  • A responsible adult must accompany you to the center, receive discharge instructions, and drive you home. We recommend that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours following the procedure.

Don’t bring:

  • More than two people with you.
  • Jewelry, cash, or valuables. We cannot be responsible for their safety.

After your procedure, you will be moved to the observation area, our staff will observe you closely until you are ready to go home. Your doctor will want to talk with a family member/friend after your surgery so it is important for this person to remain in the building.

Your cardiologist will provide post-procedure instructions about diet, rest, exercise, and medications. The Center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions before you are discharged. We suggest that you pamper yourself for the first 24 hours following your procedure.

Please arrange for an adult to remain with you at home for at least 24 hours. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after your procedure, we also recommend that you postpone these activities for 24 hours after discharge:

  • Driving and operating equipment
  • Signing important papers
  • Making significant decisions
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages

If you have any unexpected problems, please call your doctor. A nurse from the Center will attempt to call you the next day to check your progress and discuss any questions you may have.

We suggest that you rest and pamper yourself for the first 24 hours following your procedure.

Please arrange for an adult to remain with you at home during this time. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after your procedure, we also recommend that you postpone these activities for 24 hours after discharge:

  • Driving and operating equipment
  • Signing important papers
  • Making significant decisions
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages

If you have any unexpected problems, please call your doctor:

  • If you experience in swelling at the site of the procedure, contact your physician’s office immediately.
  • If you experience in bleeding at the site of the procedure, call 911 immediately.
  • If you have any additional unexpected problems, please call your doctor.

A nurse from the center will call or leave a message the next day to check your progress and discuss any questions you may have.