If you already have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), regular follow-up is an important part of your care. These visits help us make sure that your device is working as intended, that the battery and leads remain healthy, and that the programmed settings still match your needs. At Signet Heart Group, pacemaker and defibrillator management is one of the services we highlight for patients we see in Sherman, Durant, Anna, and Dallas.
What Device Management Involves
When you come in for a device check, we typically:
- Review how you have been feeling, including dizziness, fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath, swelling, or shocks from a defibrillator
- Interrogate the device to read stored information about your heart rhythm and how often the device has paced or treated a rhythm
- Test the leads and remaining battery life
- Adjust programmed settings when your symptoms or test results show that a change would help
We will explain what we find and tell you when to return.
Who May Need This Care
Device management is for you if:
- You have a pacemaker for a slow heart rhythm (bradycardia) or heart block
- You have an ICD to treat dangerous fast heart rhythms
- Your device was placed at Signet Heart Group or at another facility, and you now live near Sherman, Durant, Anna, or Dallas and need ongoing follow-up
Our team also implants pacemakers and defibrillators. If you are being evaluated for a new device, we will talk with you about whether implantation is appropriate and what follow-up involves.
Pacemaker Follow-Up
A pacemaker is a small implanted device that helps your heart beat at an appropriate rate when your own rhythm is too slow. During follow-up, we make sure that pacing occurs when it should, that the leads sense your heart's signals correctly, and that the battery has adequate remaining life. If your activity, medications, or condition has changed, we may reprogram the device.
Defibrillator Follow-Up
An ICD can deliver pacing and, when needed, a shock to stop a life-threatening fast rhythm. Follow-up includes the same lead and battery checks used for pacemakers, plus a review of any treated episodes stored in the device. If you have received a shock, tell us promptly so we can review the recording and decide whether medication, programming, or further testing is needed.
How We Approach Device Care at Signet Heart Group
Nikhil Joshi, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, FASNC, is a Certified Cardiac Device Specialist through the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE) and lists pacemaker and AICD placement among his specialties. Tariq Yousuf, M.D., FACC, FASNC, also lists pacemaker and device implantation. Follow-up is coordinated with your broader cardiology care and may include echocardiography or other testing when it will help us understand your symptoms.
What to Bring and What to Expect
Please bring your device identification card, a current medication list, and any questions you have. The visit is typically done in the office. We will explain the findings, including remaining battery life and whether any settings were changed. If a generator change is approaching, we will discuss timing with you in advance.
Pacemaker and Defibrillator Management FAQs
How often will I need a device check?
The interval depends on your device type, remaining battery life, and clinical situation. Many patients are seen on a regular schedule, and sooner after a shock, a change in symptoms, or a recent implant. We will tell you when to return.
How is a device check done?
A device check is typically done in the office. We review your symptoms, read the information stored in the device, and test the leads and battery. We will explain the findings and the schedule that fits your situation.
What symptoms should I report between visits?
Contact us, or seek emergency care depending on severity, if you have fainting, a shock from your defibrillator, lasting dizziness, new or worsening shortness of breath, swelling, palpitations, a fever after a recent implant, or redness, drainage, or pain at the device site. If you are not sure how urgent a symptom is, contact our office and we will help you decide.
Will I need to replace my device?
The leads often last many years. The generator (the portion that holds the battery) eventually needs replacement in a planned procedure. We monitor battery life at each check and will discuss a generator change before the battery is depleted.
Can I have an MRI or go through airport security with a device?
Many newer devices are MRI-conditional, meaning an MRI may be possible under specific conditions. Always tell every clinician and the imaging team that you have a device, and bring your identification card. Airport screening is usually safe; show your card and follow the staff's instructions. If you have questions about MRI or travel, ask us at your visit.
Request an Appointment
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator and need follow-up, or if you want to discuss device care, please call to schedule a visit or request an appointment online. We see patients at 2800 North Highway 75, Sherman, TX 75090; 1727 Chuckwa Drive, Suite 100, Durant, OK 74701; 450 N Standridge Blvd, Suite 104, Anna, TX 75409; and 9440 Poppy Dr, Dallas, TX 75218. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
