Deaconess Heart Group Device Clinic (Pacemaker/ICD Clinic) serves patients with Implanted Cardiac Devices also known as implanted pacemakers, biventricular pacemaker, implanted cardiac defibrillators and implanted loop recorders. There are four major companies that develop these types of devices, and we work with these vendors to ensure that our software is current and can provide our specially trained nurses and physicians with all the data they need to manage your device.
The device clinic is comprised of nurses trained specifically in monitoring patients with an implanted cardiac device who works directly with Deaconess Heart Group electrophysiologists and cardiologists. Deaconess Heart Group electrophysiologist and cardiologist follow the direction of the Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology guidelines.
The device clinic, under the supervision of the Electrophysiologists, monitors every patient and their device in different methods. These methods are based on the needs of the patient and the device.
In-Office Device Check
Your defibrillator/pacemaker has the ability to communicate through the skin with a programmer we have in the office. A wand is placed over the device and it will send transmissions to the programmer. We perform these scheduled checks in office Monday through Friday, and a typical device check takes approximately 15 minutes.
Remote Transmission
Your defibrillator/pacemaker might have the ability to communicate through a home monitor system. Typically this transmitter will send the information by telephone or a cellular connection through a scheduled appointment. This information is sent to Deaconess Heart Group Device Clinic and is reviewed by the specifically-trained nursing staff. If a problem is identified, you may need to come into the clinic so full testing can be performed.
It is important to note that no programming changes to your device can be made remotely. This care must be performed in the office.
Phone Transmission (Trans Telephonic)
For this type of transmission, you will have a scheduled time and a nurse from our office will call you. You will be instructed on how to place the wristbands on your wrist, turn the power on, place the phone on the cradle, and when to pick up the phone to get more direction from the nursing staff. Typically this process takes 5 minutes, but could be longer if we receive interference with the call.
Meet the ICD/Pacemaker Clinic Doctors
Chandra Kumbar, MD, MBA, FACC, FHRS
Edward N. Moore, MD, FACC
Nathan J. Reed, MD
Prasongchai Sattayaprasert, MD, PhD