Berlin Friedrichshain
Cardiology, Family Doctor Services & Aesthetics
Warschauer Strasse 56
10243 Berlin
Berlin Tempelhof
Cardiology
Ringbahnstr. 76 – 80
12103 Berlin
Aftercare pacemaker
(only at Tempelhof)
Why do pacemakers need to be checked regularly?
For many patients, survival depends on the proper functioning of the pacemaker/ICD/CRT device. Therefore, regular checks of the pacemakers are necessary. As a rule, the devices are checked twice a year. Here, both the function of the device and the battery status are checked. Furthermore, relevant cardiac arrhythmias recorded by the pacemaker can be analysed during the follow-up.
A query takes about 10-15 minutes.
The following devices are queried with us:
- Pacemaker
- Implanted defibrillator (ICD)
- Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
The query is carried out for the following manufacturers:
- Biotronic
- Medtronic/Vitatron
- Abbott (ehemals St. Jude Medical)
- Boston Scientific
What is a cardiac pacemaker (HSM)?
Cardiac pacemakers (HSM) are devices used to treat patients with a slow heartbeat (bradycardia).
A pacemaker is a very small electronic device with a battery that is able to sense and analyse electrical signals from the heart through probes that are placed inside the heart via the venous vessels. If the pulse becomes too slow, the pacemaker emits an electrical impulse, ensuring an adequate heart rate to maintain a stable circulation.
What is an implanted defibrillator (ICD)?
A defibrillator is a device used to treat heart disease that causes malignant arrhythmias. The risk of malignant arrhythmias is most common in patients with advanced heart disease. This is when the heart suddenly beats much too fast (ventricular tachycardia). The defibrillator recognises this and can stop the arrhythmia by delivering electrical impulses (overstimulation) or a shock. The heart can then continue to beat normally. This is usually a life-saving measure.
With overstimulation (overpacing), the defibrillator attempts to overtake the existing heart rhythm and thus restore a normal heartbeat. This is a gentle intervention to end malignant cardiac arrhythmias. This intervention is usually not noticed by the patient.
If the overstimulation is not successful, the defibrillator will automatically deliver a shock to finally terminate the malignant arrhythmia.
What is cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)?
In certain patients with severe heart failure, cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is indicated. In this case, the stimulation between the right and left ventricle no longer takes place synchronously. The delay in stimulation leads to ineffective contraction and this can affect the ejection performance of the heart. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy places a pacemaker probe in both the right and left ventricles. This allows the pacing to be synchronised again and the ejection rate to be improved. For patients with the appropriate indication, this can significantly improve exercise tolerance in underlying heart failure.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy can be combined with defibrillator therapy (see above).
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