Implantable Devices (pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators)

Pacemakers restore normal cardiac rhythm, or pace. They are implanted under the skin and often used for patients whose hearts beat too slowly. The devices also may be used for some patients with atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat.

Heart pacemakers may be part of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, a device that can detect a dangerously rapid heartbeat. The defibrillator returns heart rhythm to normal by use of an electrical shock.

Patients with heart failure may receive a special biventricular pacemaker, to help the chambers of the heart beat together. This allows coordinated and effective heart pumping. The Comprehensive Heart Failure Program has pioneered the use of echocardiography, or cardiac ultrasound, to optimize the resynchronization performance of pacemakers. This supports a beneficial response to heart failure therapy using implanted devices.

Pilla Heart Center specialists are highly skilled in implanting cardiac pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators to anticipate and restore normal heartbeat. They also have expertise in cardiac device lead extraction, when needed. In addition, our cardiologists excel in conducting pacemaker diagnostics, to evaluate implanted devices and check their function.

For expertise on pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, contact the specialists at Abington’s Pilla Heart Center and Heart Rhythm Center.