VISIT AT THE DEFIBRILLATOR CLINIC

Nicole Drouin, RN Bscn

Pacemaker/Defibrillator clinic, Laval Hospital

Once a cardiac defibrillator has been implanted it must be periodically verified and adjusted if required. It is therefore important to make an appointment at the pacemaker clinic and to respect this appointment with regards to time and frequency. The first visit will take place 4 to 6 weeks after the implant of the device. After this, the followup will be every 6 months or more depending on each individual situation.

During the visits, a detailed exam with regards to the functioning of the defibrillator will be done. With the use of a specialized computer programmer, we can look at the defibrillator and analyse the information that has been measured and stored by the electrical circuits. For example, we can verify if any arrythmias have occured since the last visit. We can at the same time verify the condition of the battery and electrical leads. Finally, the cardiologist can adjust the defibrillator as required.

A cardiac defibrillator has a life span of 5 to 7 years. The longevity depends upon the energy required from the battery to provide the treatment necessary and the functioning of the defibrillator. When the battery indicates it is low, the doctor will make the decision to replace the defibrillator. This procedure is more simple than an initial implantation. The device under the skin is replaced where as the electrical leads inside the heart will more often remain in place. It is sufficient to reconnect the leads to the new defibrillator and everything is back in working order.