An EP study is an accurate and reliable test to measure the electrical activity of the heart and to diagnose arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms. Catheter ablation is a procedure performed to treat arrhythmia.

Anybody who is having problem with the speed or pattern of heartbeat, the doctor may recommend an EP study. EP study is needed to find out more about heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia) and to decide what will be the most effective treatment. An EP study provides information about heart’s electrical system. It is done to find out why your heart beats too quickly, or why it does not beat in a regular pattern. This may be due to an extra electrical pathway or area of conduction within your heart. Symptoms that patient may feel with heart rate problem are dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain or fluttering.

EP study will be performed by a cardiologist having advanced training in cardiac electrophysiology. The cardiac electrophysiologist (Cardiac EP) will direct the placing of catheters on an X-ray screen, stimulate an abnormal heart rhythm, diagnose and locate the area of the heart causing the arrhythmia, and direct radiofrequency ablation (RF ablation) to the heart tissue to treat it. Electrophysiology lab nurses and technicians provide care and comfort during the procedure.

EP study is done in a specially equipped Cath lab, also known as the Electrophysiology lab (EP Lab).

An EP study & RF ablation is a technique where flexible wires (catheter electrodes) are passed through a vein in your groin and carefully placed at specific positions within your heart to record the electrical signals. An EP study records how your heart reacts to extra electrical signals delivered within the different areas of the heart. EP study allows to collect detail information about the cause of your arrhythmia and choose the most appropriate treatment for you. The data pinpoints the location causing the arrhythmia. Once the location of arrhythmia short-circuit is confirmed, energy is used to destroy that tissue, ending the disturbance of electric current flow through the heart and restoring a healthy heart rhythm.

EP study and catheter ablation procedure are considered safe. It can be performed safely on children, adults and elderly patients.

The EP study & RF ablation can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. The procedure time will vary depending on the type of heart rhythm problem.

Patient may feel minor discomfort during the EP study and catheter ablation procedures. Procedure will be done under local anaesthesia. To minimize discomfort, patient may be given short-acting sedatives, depending on the type of procedure and the type of arrhythmia. EP study is a key hole procedure performed via small skin puncture. EP study & RF ablation is usually a painless procedure. There is no need for stitches and there should be no scar to minimal scar.

Yes. Once exact location of abnormal electric short-circuit is identified during EP study, we apply radiofrequency energy to the same area during the RF catheter ablation. Most of the time both procedures will be done at the same time.

Patient will be taken to the EP lab, where a nurse will watch vital signs with monitoring equipment. The nurse will be close by at all times. Patient will be covered with a drape; the only area exposed will be groin area. This is to maintain a sterile (germ-free) environment. Groin area will be numbed with lidocaine and the doctor will place special catheters into veins. The doctor will move the catheters to heart using a fluoroscopy monitor (x-ray). To study heart rhythm, the doctor will use electrical signals that can be sent through the catheters to stimulate your heart rhythm. During this time, patient may feel like his heart is fluttering; this is normal and will not last long. Patient will be awake for this procedure, IV medications may be given to maintain comfort.

After EP study & RF ablation the doctor will talk to patient and their family. Patient will be explained regarding the result of EP study and RF ablation. Patient will be required to stay in bed for 6 hours to allow veins to heal. Patient may go home on the next day.

Patient may return home the next day after the procedure.

Patient can resume his normal daily activities – walking, bathing, showering and so on – as soon as he leave the hospital, unless he is instructed otherwise. Don't strain or lift objects weighing more than 5-10 kg for 7 days.

Unless your job requires heavy lifting, you can return to work in 3-5 days.

Fast heart beats:

• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) – AVNRT, AVRT
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)
• Atrial Flutter, Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Tachycardia
• Ventricular Tachycardia
• Ventricular premature beats (VPCs)
• Inherited Arrhythmia Syndromes (Brugada, ARVC, etc.)

In recommending EP study & RF ablation your doctor has balanced the benefits and risks of the procedure against the benefits and risks of not undergoing EP study. An EP study & RF ablation is a safe procedure. However, as with any procedure there are some risks. The risks will be fully explained before procedure. An EP study & RF ablation is performed safely in both children and adults. Significant complications usually develop in less than 1% of patients. 1 in 200 (0.5%) patients may develop low heart beat problem which may require a pacemaker.

3D mapping and catheter ablation is an accurate and reliable test to measure the electrical activity of the heart and to diagnose arrhythmia especially complex heart rhythm problems. 3D Catheter ablation is a procedure performed to treat complex arrhythmia.

3D mapping is needed to find out more about complex heart rhythm disturbance and to decide exact location of complex arrhythmias. 3D mapping guided RF ablation leads to higher success rate in complex arrhythmia management.

3D mapping & RF ablation will be performed by a cardiologist having advanced training in cardiac electrophysiology. The cardiac electrophysiologist (Cardiac EP) will direct the placing of catheters on an X-ray screen, stimulate an abnormal heart rhythm, diagnose and locate the area of the heart causing the arrhythmia, and direct radiofrequency ablation (RF ablation) to the heart tissue to treat it. Electrophysiology lab nurses and technicians provide care and comfort during the procedure.

3D RF ablation is done in a specially equipped Cath lab, also known as the Electrophysiology lab (EP Lab). EP lab should be equipped with 3D electroanatomical mapping system.

3D RF ablation is a technique where flexible wires (catheter electrodes) are passed through a vein in your groin and carefully placed at specific positions within your heart to record the electrical signals. 3D mapping allows to collect detail information about the cause of your arrhythmia and choose the most appropriate site of treatment. The 3D mapping data pinpoints the location causing the arrhythmia. Once the location and components of arrhythmia short-circuit is confirmed, RF energy is used to destroy that tissue, ending the electric short-circuit and restores a healthy heart rhythm.

3D catheter ablation procedures are considered relatively safe. It can be performed safely on children, adults and elderly patients.

3D RF ablation can take anywhere from 2-3 hours. The procedure time will vary depending on the type of heart rhythm problem.

Patient may feel minor discomfort during 3D catheter ablation procedure. Procedure will be done under local anaesthesia and sometimes under general anaesthesia also. To minimize discomfort, patient may be given short-acting sedatives, depending on the type of procedure and the type of arrhythmia. 3D RF ablation is a key hole procedure performed via small skin puncture and usually a painless procedure. There is no need for stitches and there should be no scar to minimal scar.

Yes. Once exact location of abnormal electric short-circuit is identified during 3D mapping, we apply RF energy to the same area during the 3D RF catheter ablation. Most of the time both procedures will be done at the same time.

Patient will be taken to the EP lab, where a nurse will watch vital signs with monitoring equipment. The nurse will be close by at all times. Patient will be covered with a drape; the only area exposed will be groin area. This is to maintain a sterile (germ-free) environment. Groin area will be numbed with lidocaine and the doctor will place special catheters into veins. The doctor will move the catheters to heart using a fluoroscopy monitor (x-ray). 3D geometry of heart chambers will be generated. To find out exact location of short-circuit, the doctor will use electrical signals that can be sent through the catheters to stimulate heart. During this time, patient may feel like his heart is fluttering; this is normal and will not last long. Patient will be awake for this procedure if done under local anaesthesia. Sometime general anaesthesia may also be used.

After 3D RF ablation, the doctor will talk to patient and their family. Patient will be explained regarding the result of 3D mapping and RF ablation. Patient will be required to stay in bed for 6 hours to allow veins to heal. Patient may go home on the next day.

Patient may return home the next day after the procedure.

Patient can resume his normal daily activities – walking, bathing, showering and so on – as soon as he leave the hospital, unless he is instructed otherwise. Don't strain or lift objects weighing more than 5-10 kg for 7 days.

Unless your job requires heavy lifting, you can return to work in 3-5 days.

Complex heart rhythm problems:

• 1. Atrial fibrillation
• 2. Atrial flutter
• 3. Atrial tachycardia
• 4. Idiopathic Ventricular tachycardia
• 5. Scar related Ventricular tachycardia
• 6. Ventricular premature contractions (VPCs)

In recommending 3D RF ablation your doctor has balanced the benefits and risks of the procedure. 3D RF ablation is a relatively safe procedure compared to open heart surgery. However, as with any procedure there are some risks. The risks will be fully explained before procedure. 3D RF ablation is performed safely in both children and adults. Significant complications usually develop in less than 5% of patients. 1 in 200 (0.5%) patients may develop low heart beat problem which may require a pacemaker.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) is a device that is implanted in the body underneath the chest skin. It is used to look for causes of fainting, palpitations, very fast or slow heartbeats, and hidden rhythms that can cause strokes.

ILR is a small pen drive size device which is placed under your chest skin. The ILR device continuously records electrical signal from your heart in form of electrocardiogram (ECG). ILR can help in finding out abnormal heart rhythms that can cause a number of problems such as fainting.

An implantable loop recorder (ILR) can record heart rhythm for up to 3 years. If you fainted due to an abnormal heart rhythm, the machine records this information before, during, and after the fainting. Healthcare provider can later look at the recordings to figure out the cause.

The temporarily reduced blood supply to your brain is what causes you to faint. Abnormal heart rhythms such as abnormally slow or fast heart beats can reduce blood supply to your brain temporarily. When the rhythm returns to normal, you normally regain consciousness.

You might need an ILR if you have fainting episodes or palpitations, and other tests have not shown any abnormality. Certain kinds of fainting greatly increase chance for sudden death. These fainting episodes require diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Once you are diagnosed, you may need a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). These could save your life.

Because the loop recorder records for up to 2-3 years, your doctor should eventually be able to analyse your heart rhythms during a fainting episode.

ILR implantation surgery is a safe and minor surgery. Most people have the procedure without any problems. Problems might happen in less than 1% of patients.

Local anaesthesia will be given on your skin to numb it. A small incision (less than 2 cm) will be made on your skin usually in the left sided chest. ILR device will be placed after creating a small pocket under your skin. The ILR device is about the size of a pen drive.

• Patient will be able to go home on the day of the surgery or on a next day.
• Patient will be given pain medicines and antibiotics for few days.
• Patient can return to normal activity after 1-2 days of the procedure.

ILR device will be programmed to record certain fast and slow heart rates. ILR also come with a handheld activator that tells the loop recorder to save the signals collected over a certain period of time. This is important because it can also help explain if a fast or slow heartbeat is not what is causing your problems. You may keep your loop recorder for up to 2 or 3 years. When you no longer need it, ILR can be removed easily with minor surgical procedure.

implantable loop recorder (ILR) is invisible and doesn't interfere with your daily activities. Routine follow-up will be needed in pacemaker clinic every 6 months or sooner if you have symptoms like palpitation or fainting.

ILR devices will not treat any abnormal heart rhythm. They are used only to see if there is a rhythm problem that causes symptoms e.g. blackouts and/or palpitations.

If you have had an ILR implant procedure you will be given a special loop recorder card, which has important information about your loop recorder and its settings. Please carry your loop recorder card with you at all times.

People who get an ILR can perform almost all their normal activities.

It is unlikely that security scanners will interfere with the ILR data collection, but they may detect the metal components and set off the alarm. It may be necessary to present your device identification card to obtain clearance.

MRI scanners are usually safe for this device. There is a small risk of the memory being erased when having an MRI. So it is recommended to download ILR device data before having the MRI scan.

A Pacemaker is made up of computer chips and a small, but long-lived battery in a sealed case which can recognize a problem with heart’s rhythm and supply electric current to improve heart beats.

The Pacemaker is surgically implanted in the upper chest. The electric current reaches to the heart muscles through special wires called leads.

If you have a slow or abnormal heart rate that causes fainting, dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath, or palpitations, you may need a Pacemaker. The heart generates its own electricity, which causes normal heart beats, so that it can pump blood to the body. Electrical signals can become blocked or irregular causing the heart to beat too slowly. A Pacemaker provides electrical stimulation when the heart does not beat or beats too slowly. Pacemaker can make your heart beats normal.

A Pacemaker battery normally lasts from eight to ten years. Doctors check the battery at each follow-up visit. When the battery voltage gets low, the Pacemaker has to be replaced with a new one.

• Single Chamber Pacemaker (VVI, AAI): It has one wire that is placed in the right upper chamber (right atrium) or lower chamber (right ventricle).
• Double Chamber Pacemaker (DDD): It has two wires, one in the atrium and one in the ventricle.
• Biventricular Pacemaker (CRT): It has three wires, one in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle and a third in the left ventricle. These are more complicated pacemakers and take more time to implant, and it is used to improve pumping in patients with heart failure.
• Rate Responsive Pacemaker: It adjusts the heart rate to a patient’s level of activity. They pace faster when a patient is exercising and slower when a patient is resting.

A Pacemaker monitors heart rate and rhythm constantly and provides electrical stimulation when the heart does not beat or beats too slowly. Many patients get relief from symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. Pacemaker can help people to enjoy longer, more productive, happier and healthier lives.

A small number of patients develop complications and these include infection, blood loss, or damage to a blood vessel, the heart wall, or other organ. These complications can usually be corrected or cured.

Pacemaker implant surgery is a routine type of surgery. In most of the cases, the operation takes one to two hours, and patients may stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.

You will be taken to an operating room where a nurse will scrub your upper chest. ECG electrodes will be placed on various parts of your body. Most patients stay awake for the procedure, and receive a shot of a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the Pacemaker will be placed.

After the skin of the shoulder and chest is cleaned and numbed with an anaesthetic, the doctor makes a cut through the skin about three to four centimetres long. The doctor then finds a vein and threads the lead directly into the heart, using a fluoroscope (x-ray). The doctor then makes a small "pocket" under the skin. The doctor fits the Pacemaker into the pocket and connects it to the leads. The Pacemaker is then tested to make sure it is working properly.

Patient will be taken to a recovery room where nurses will look after you to make sure you are doing well. Patient will be given pain medication if they need it. Later on, the doctor or clinician will test Pacemaker to make sure it is working properly.

• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Follow the instructions about bathing and wound dressing.
• Use only gentle movements with the arm closest to the Pacemaker.
• Avoid stretching, lifting, and sudden, jerky movements.
• After sometime gradually increase the use of your arm.
• Do not play with or move the Pacemaker under your skin.
• Keep your Patient Identification Card with you at all times.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions

Immediately after pacemaker surgery, you will probably be asked to visit the doctor several times. These are very important visits, and they allow your physician to be sure your device is working properly. Your doctor will also want to check the incision to see how it is healing. After that, your physician will want to see you for regular follow-up visits.

The follow-up checking usually takes less than half an hour. Pacemaker parameters will be checked to assess pacemaker function and battery status.

Your wound should be completely healed before you return to your usual daily activities. Talk to your doctor about how soon you can return to work, drive your car, begin exercising, or go away on a trip.

This card lets everyone know that you have a Pacemaker. It contains information on the type of Pacemaker you have and other important information. Keep it with you at all times.

Pacemaker typically does not have any adverse effect on a patient’s sex life. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice as when to resume any physical activity.

Pacemaker is implanted to help you lead a normal life. At home, most people will have no restrictions on their activity.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is a large machine which generates very strong magnetic forces that can be very dangerous to almost all metallic implanted devices, like your pacemaker. The magnetic fields can interfere with the tiny computer in your pacemaker and can heat the tips of leads in your heart to dangerous levels.

However, currently used pacemakers are having MR Conditional pacing system. This system has been specially designed to withstand the forces of most MRI scanners. If you have this MR Conditional pacing system implanted, then you can have an MRI scan under certain circumstances.

Most home appliances are safe to use. This includes microwave ovens, blenders, toasters, electric knives, televisions, fan and stoves. Office equipment and most medical equipments are also safe to use. The Pacemaker will work properly during x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, mammography, and fluoroscopy.

There is really no need for concern. The best thing to do when you reach airport security is to walk through the metal detector at a normal pace. If the alarm sounds (it may or may not), it only means that the system has detected the metal in your device. Simply show your identification card. Security personnel may perform a search with a handheld wand. There is really no need for concern. The best thing to do when you reach airport security is to walk through the metal detector at a normal pace. If the alarm sounds (it may or may not), it only means that the system has detected the metal in your device. Simply show your identification card. Security personnel may perform a search with a handheld wand.

Cellular phones, which send electromagnetic signals, can interfere with proper device operation. Keep your cellular phone at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your device. Hold the cellular phone to your ear on the opposite side of your body from your device. Do not carry a cellular phone in a shirt pocket that places the phone within 6 inches (15 cm) of your device.

Pacemaker clinic is a special OPD having facility to check pacemaker patients. Your pacemaker should be checked regularly and you will be advised to attend pacemaker clinic as required. You will be seen at least once a year and may be asked to attend more often if necessary. During each clinic visit, the specialist will examine your pacemaker using a special programmer. This machine will allow them to examine the settings and the battery life of your device. Special measurements are also done to assess the function of the leads that connect the pacemaker to your heart. Your wound will also be checked.

An ICD is a device which is made up of computer chips and a small, but long-lived battery in a sealed case which can recognize a problem with heart’s rhythm and supply electric current to normalize heart beats.

The ICD is surgically implanted in the upper chest. The electric current reaches to the heart muscles through special wires called leads.

If you have a dangerous rapid heart rhythm like ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) that causes fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations, you may need an ICD. An ICD normalizes dangerous rapid heart rhythm by providing electrical stimulation to the heart muscles.

• Single Chamber ICD: It has one wire that is placed in the right lower chamber (right ventricle).
• Double Chamber ICD: It has two wires, one in the right atrium and one in the right ventricle.
• Biventricular Pacemaker + ICD (CRT-D): It has three wires, one in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle and a third in the left ventricle. These are more complicated devices and take more time to implant, and it is used to improve pumping in patients with heart failure and also normalizes dangerous rapid heart rhythms.

ICD implant surgery is a routine type of surgery. In most of the cases, the operation takes one to two hours, and patients may stay in the hospital for 2-3 days.

An ICD monitors heart rate and rhythm constantly and provides electrical stimulation when the heart beats too fast. Many patients get relief from symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting. ICD can help people to enjoy longer, more productive, happier and healthier lives.

A small number of patients develop complications and these include infection, blood loss, or damage to a blood vessel, the heart wall, or other organ. These complications can usually be corrected or cured. A small number of patients develop complications and these include infection, blood loss, or damage to a blood vessel, the heart wall, or other organ. These complications can usually be corrected or cured.

You will be taken to an operating room where a nurse will scrub your upper chest. ECG electrodes will be placed on various parts of your body. Most patients stay awake for the procedure, and receive a shot of a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the ICD will be placed.

After the skin of the shoulder and chest is cleaned and numbed with an anaesthetic, the doctor makes a cut through the skin about four to five centimetres long. The doctor then finds a vein and threads the lead directly into the heart, using a fluoroscope (x-ray). The doctor then makes a "pocket" under the skin. The doctor fits the ICD pulse generator into the pocket and connects it to the leads. The ICD is then tested to make sure it is working properly.

Patient will be taken to a recovery room where nurses will look after you to make sure you are doing well. Patient will be given pain medication if they need it. Later on, the doctor or clinician will test ICD to make sure it is working properly.

• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Follow the instructions about bathing and wound dressing.
• Use only gentle movements with the arm closest to the ICD.
• Avoid stretching, lifting, and sudden, jerky movements.
• After sometime gradually increase the use of your arm.
• Do not play with or move the ICD under your skin.
• Keep your Patient Identification Card with you at all times.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions

Immediately after ICD surgery, you will probably be asked to visit the doctor several times. These are very important visits, and they allow your physician to be sure your device is working properly. Your doctor will also want to check the incision to see how it is healing. After that, your physician will want to see you for regular follow-up visits.

The follow-up checking usually takes less than half an hour. ICD parameters will be checked to assess ICD function and battery status.

An ICD battery normally lasts from six to eight years. Doctors check the battery at each follow-up visit. When the battery voltage gets low, the ICD pulse generator has to be replaced with a new one.

Your wound should be completely healed before you return to your usual daily activities. Talk to your doctor about how soon you can return to work, drive your car, begin exercising, or go away on a trip.

This card lets everyone know that you have an ICD. It contains information on the type of ICD device you have and other important information. Keep it with you at all times.

ICD typically does not have any adverse effect on a patient’s sex life. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice as when to resume any physical activity.

ICD is implanted to help you lead a normal life. At home, most people will have mild restrictions on their activity.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is a large machine which generates very strong magnetic forces that can be very dangerous to almost all metallic implanted devices, like your ICD device. The magnetic fields can interfere with the tiny computer in your ICD and can heat the tips of leads in your heart to dangerous levels.

However, currently used ICDs are having MR Conditional system. This system has been specially designed to withstand the forces of most MRI scanners. If you have this MR Conditional system implanted, then you can have an MRI scan under certain circumstances.

There is really no need for concern. The best thing to do when you reach airport security is to walk through the metal detector at a normal pace. If the alarm sounds (it may or may not), it only means that the system has detected the metal in your device. Simply show your identification card. Security personnel may perform a search with a handheld wand.

Cellular phones, which send electromagnetic signals, can interfere with proper device operation. Keep your cellular phone at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your device. Hold the cellular phone to your ear on the opposite side of your body from your device. Do not carry a cellular phone in a shirt pocket that places the phone within 6 inches (15 cm) of your device.

Pacemaker clinic is a special OPD having facility to check ICD patients. Your ICD should be checked regularly and you will be advised to attend pacemaker clinic as required. You will be seen at least twice a year and may be asked to attend more often if necessary. During each clinic visit, the specialist will examine your ICD using a special programmer. This machine will allow them to examine the settings and the battery life of your device. Special measurements are also done to assess the function of the leads that connect the ICD to your heart.

A CRT is a type of device which is made up of computer chips and a small, but long-lived battery in a sealed case which can recognize a problem with heart’s rhythm and supply electric current to normalize electrical disturbance of the heart.

The CRT is surgically implanted in the upper chest. The electric current reaches to the heart muscles through special wires called leads.

• Biventricular Pacemaker without ICD (CRT-P): It has three wires, one in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle and a third in the left ventricle. These are more complicated pacemakers and take more time to implant, and it is used to improve pumping in patients with heart failure. It can not normalize dangerous rapid heart rhythms.
• Biventricular Pacemaker with ICD (CRT-D): It has three wires, one in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle and a third in the left ventricle. These are more complicated devices and take more time to implant, and it is used to improve pumping in patients with heart failure and it can also normalizes dangerous rapid heart rhythms.

CRT implant surgery is a routine type of surgery. In most of the cases, the operation takes two to three hours, and patients may stay in the hospital for 3-4 days.

A small number of patients develop complications and these include infection, blood loss, or damage to a blood vessel, the heart wall, or other organ. These complications can usually be corrected or cured.

You will be taken to an operating room where a nurse will scrub your upper chest. ECG electrodes will be placed on various parts of your body. Most patients stay awake for the procedure, and receive a shot of a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the CRT device will be placed.

After the skin of the shoulder and chest is cleaned and numbed with an anaesthetic, the doctor makes a cut through the skin about four to five centimetres long. The doctor then finds a vein and threads the lead directly into the heart, using a fluoroscope (x-ray). The doctor then makes a "pocket" under the skin. The doctor fits the CRT pulse generator into the pocket and connects it to the leads. The CRT is then tested to make sure it is working properly.

Patient will be taken to a recovery room where nurses will look after you to make sure you are doing well. Patient will be given pain medication if they need it. Later on, the doctor or clinician will test CRT to make sure it is working properly.

• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Follow the instructions about bathing and wound dressing.
• Use only gentle movements with the arm closest to the CRT.
• Avoid stretching, lifting, and sudden, jerky movements.
• After sometime gradually increase the use of your arm.
• Do not play with or move the CRT under your skin.
• Keep your Patient Identification Card with you at all times.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions

Immediately after CRT surgery, you will probably be asked to visit the doctor several times. These are very important visits, and they allow your physician to be sure your device is working properly. Your doctor will also want to check the incision to see how it is healing. After that, your physician will want to see you for regular follow-up visits.

The follow-up checking usually takes less than half an hour. CRT parameters will be checked to assess CRT function and battery status.

A CRT battery normally lasts from six to seven years. Doctors check the battery at each follow-up visit. When the battery voltage gets low, the CRT pulse generator has to be replaced with a new one.

Your wound should be completely healed before you return to your usual daily activities. Talk to your doctor about how soon you can return to work, drive your car, begin exercising, or go away on a trip.

This card lets everyone know that you have a CRT. It contains information on the type of CRT device you have and other important information. Keep it with you at all times.

CRT typically does not have any adverse effect on a patient’s sex life. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice as when to resume any physical activity.

CRT is implanted to help you lead a productive life. At home, most people will have mild restrictions on their activity.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is a large machine which generates very strong magnetic forces that can be very dangerous to almost all metallic implanted devices, like your CRT device. The magnetic fields can interfere with the tiny computer in your CRT and can heat the tips of leads in your heart to dangerous levels.

However, currently used CRTs are having MR Conditional system. This system has been specially designed to withstand the forces of most MRI scanners. If you have this MR Conditional system implanted, then you can have an MRI scan under certain circumstances.

Most home appliances are safe to use. This includes microwave ovens, blenders, toasters, electric knives, televisions, fan and stoves. Office equipment and most medical equipments are also safe to use. The CRT device will work properly during x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, mammography, and fluoroscopy.

There is really no need for concern. The best thing to do when you reach airport security is to walk through the metal detector at a normal pace. If the alarm sounds (it may or may not), it only means that the system has detected the metal in your device. Simply show your identification card. Security personnel may perform a search with a handheld wand.

Cellular phones, which send electromagnetic signals, can interfere with proper device operation. Keep your cellular phone at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your device. Hold the cellular phone to your ear on the opposite side of your body from your device. Do not carry a cellular phone in a shirt pocket that places the phone within 6 inches (15 cm) of your device.