Implications for Patient Care

There are a wide variety of situations in which such implantable devices have a bearing on patient care, whether directly or indirectly.

Although the detailed assessment of such devices and situations can be complex, and frequently require highly specialised input, significant and useful information may be obtained from simple bedside tests within the emergency department (ED).

The terminology used can be disorientating to the non-specialist, but a basic understanding of the principles behind the devices makes appreciation of their impact on patients problems much simpler to understand.

Useful information about the nature of the device implanted can be found on the wallet-sized card carried by pacemaker patients. This details the make and manufacturer of the leads and pulse generator, as well as the name and hospital of the implanting physician.