Upgrading a device when the battery wears out or it malfunctions
If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to correct an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), there may come a time when the device needs to be replaced. This may happen if:
- The battery wears out
- The device malfunctions
- You need a device with different features
The doctors in our Electrophysiology Program have access to the latest technologies to care for patients with even the most complex arrhythmias. We’ll work with you to determine if and when your device needs to be replaced.
Remove a cardiac implantable electronic device and leads
An IV will be inserted to deliver medication and fluids. You’ll be given a sedative to help you relax, but you will remain awake. We’ll monitor your heart and blood pressure throughout the procedure.
The doctor will make an incision above the device. It will be disconnected from the leads and removed. The leads, which attach the device to the heart and deliver an electric shock when necessary, will be tested. If they’re functional, the new device will be connected to them and placed in the same position as the old device. If the leads need to be replaced, we’ll do that before placing the new device.
The procedure will take about 2 hours—longer if the leads need to be replaced. You will need to stay at least a few hours for observation or, in some cases, overnight.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Walter Lawrence Atiga, MD
Electrophysiology
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Zayd Eldadah, MD
Electrophysiology
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Margaret Bell Fischer, MD
Adult Congenital Cardiac Disease & Electrophysiology
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Cyrus Hadadi, MD
Electrophysiology
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Rachel E Harrison, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Richard Paul Jones, MD
Electrophysiology
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Glenn Robert Meininger, MD
Electrophysiology
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Susan O'Donoghue, MD
Electrophysiology
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Edward V. Platia, MD
Electrophysiology
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David Julian Schamp, MD
Electrophysiology
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Sunjeet Singh Sidhu, MD
Internal Medicine & Electrophysiology
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David A. Strouse, MD
Electrophysiology
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Sarah Abigail Stull, PA-C
Electrophysiology
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Athanasios Thomaides, MD
Cardiology & Electrophysiology
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Apostolos Tsimploulis, MD
Electrophysiology
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Megan Joy Zemrose, PA-C
Electrophysiology
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Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
201 E. University Pkwy. Baltimore, MD 21218
MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9000 Franklin Square Dr. Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW Washington, DC 20010
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Rd. Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC, 20007
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
18101 Prince Philip Dr. Olney, MD 20832
Additional information
Electrophysiology Program
We are leaders in developing and using the latest procedures and technologies to treat heart rhythm disorders, and our cardiac electrophysiology laboratory is one of the most sophisticated in North America.
Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.