You have recently had a leadless pacemaker implanted. This leaflet gives important information and advice about recovering from your implant procedure and living safely with a pacemaker.
You will have an appointment in the cardiac physiologist led device clinic in 4-6 weeks’ time. An appointment will be sent to you in due course. Please contact us if you have not received this appointment within 4 weeks. At this appointment your device will be checked and we will review your device settings. You will also receive your pacemaker identification card, which you should carry with you at all times. You will be required to show your ID card at airport security and when attending hospital.
It is important to attend regular checks in order to ensure the appropriate functioning of your device.
Battery longevity, system integrity and diagnostic data are all assessed at follow up checks and will determine when you will be
seen again. This is usually between 6 and 12 months as advised by the cardiac physiologists.
The incision site in your groin will have been closed with a stitch and removed prior to discharge. Avoid strenuous exercise until the area is well healed and comfortable. Do not lift heavy objects and try to avoid bending the affected leg for the first 48 hours. You can shower and bathe as normal.
It is very important you keep an eye on your incision site. If you notice any signs of infection (eg. redness, heat, discharge from the site) please contact the pacing team as soon as possible. You may experience pain and discomfort from the incision site for a few days post procedure, which should improve over time. Over the counter pain relief should help with this.
You may also experience localised bruising (especially if you take blood thinners) which may last several weeks post procedure. Any severe bleeding from the incision site needs urgent medical attention – pressing firmly on the incision site whilst seeking help will help reduce the bleeding.
Please strictly follow the advice given to you by your Cardiologist regarding driving. You must inform the DVLA about your device
implant.
Currently, the DVLA state that after a leadless pacemaker implant, you are not allowed to drive for:
• Group 1 (car/motorcycle) – 1 week.
• Group 2 (lorry/bus) – 6 weeks.
Guidance is subject to change so please ensure you check the
DVLA website for up-to-date advice: www.gov.uk/guidance/
cardiovascular-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive.
Industrial machinery and electromagnetic devices may interfere with your device and should not be used without consulting with the pacemaker team first.
Electromagnetic interference will not damage your device but may temporarily interfere with its settings while you are in contact with it. Most mechanical and electrical devices that you use in your normal daily activities will not affect your device. Household equipment will not affect your device as long as they are in good working order. Use mobile phones in the ear opposite to your device and do not place them in a pocket near the pacemaker.
Screening security systems in airports and ferry terminals very rarely cause problems. Show staff your pacemaker identification card and they will usually hand search you instead.
Unless you have been told otherwise you should continue all medications. If you have stopped any medication prior to the
procedure, you will be told when to restart that medication before you are discharged.
