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Your leadless pacemaker checklist
Keep this guide with your medication plan and discharge instructions.
Before you arrive
- Read the medication and fasting plans. Your team must complete any intentional blanks before you follow them.
- Complete scheduled tests. Bring your current medicine list and allergy information.
- Arrange an adult driver and someone to stay with you after sedation.
Procedure date / arrival time:
Facility / check-in location:
Before you leave
Keep the current medication list, recovery instructions and follow-up details together. Have conflicting instructions resolved before discharge. Use the emergency warning signs in this guide.
Follow-up appointment or timeframe / booking instructions:
Practice phone: ____________________
After-hours number / route: ____________________
UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROCEDURE
Leadless pacemaker
Before and after a leadless pacemaker implant
What the procedure does
A leadless pacemaker is a small device placed directly inside the heart through a catheter, without a chest pocket or wires passing from the chest to the heart. Depending on the system and your pacing needs, one device or a pair of devices may be used. It treats slow heartbeats; it does not deliver defibrillator shocks and is not suitable for every pacing need.
On the day
The team numbs the groin and uses sedation or anesthesia as needed. A delivery catheter goes through a vein to the heart, where the pacemaker is secured and tested. The catheter is removed and the access site is closed with pressure, stitches or a closure method. You lie flat for the prescribed observation period. The team checks the device and access site before discharge; same-day discharge or an overnight stay depends on recovery.
Benefits and risks
Pacing may improve fainting, dizziness or fatigue caused by a slow heart rate. Risks include bleeding, injury or clots in the access vein, infection, heart perforation or fluid around the heart, device movement, pacing problems and need for another procedure. Serious complications and death are uncommon but possible. Battery depletion later requires an individualized replacement or retrieval plan.
Getting ready
Medicines and fasting
Use the individualized blood thinner and antiplatelet plan below. A leadless implant does not automatically mean these medicines should be stopped, bridged or newly started. Access-site bleeding risk, clotting risk, drug timing and kidney function matter.
Blood thinner / antiplatelet plan
Food and drink plan
SGLT2 medicines
GLP-1 medicines
Any separate written instructions for insulin or other diabetes medicines take priority; do not apply a general morning-medicine instruction to them.
Recovering at home
What to expect
Mild improving groin soreness and bruising can occur. Worsening swelling, pain or difficulty walking needs assessment. The pacemaker does not cure every rhythm disorder and does not automatically replace your medicines.
Follow-up
Appointment / return-to-work details:
Driving clearance date / review plan:
Living with your leadless pacemaker
Carry your device ID card. Tell the imaging team before MRI: eligibility, scanner conditions and any required programming depend on your exact system. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for magnets and medical equipment. Ordinary household appliances in good condition can generally be used. Do not assume that “leadless” means every MRI or strong magnetic source is safe.
When to get help
Call 911
- Severe or sudden chest pain or trouble breathing, fainting, or stroke symptoms such as facial droop, arm weakness or trouble speaking.
- Heavy or continuing bleeding despite firm pressure, or rapidly growing painful swelling with weakness or faintness. Lie down, keep firm pressure on the bleeding site and have someone call 911.
- A cold, pale, numb or severely painful leg, especially on the catheter-access side.
Do not drive yourself. Do not wait for a message or remote-monitor response.
Contact the clinic the same day
Increasing groin swelling, redness, warmth, drainage or pain; fever or chills; return of dizziness or near-fainting.
For warning symptoms after hours, use the contact route below. If you cannot reach the team and symptoms are worsening, seek urgent assessment. Use 911 for the severe symptoms listed above.
Practice phone: ____________________
After-hours number / route: ____________________
Follow your personalized medication and recovery plan. This guide supports, but does not replace, the consent discussion or your treating team’s instructions.