West Michigan Heart's Pacemaker Clinic manages the care of patients following the implantation of cardiac pacemakers and automatic internal cardioverter defibrillator systems. 

Follow-up for patients is available through a combination of visits to our Pacemaker Clinic and periodic follow up with nurses via the telephone utilizing transmitter units which allow the analysis of pacemaker function in the convenience of the patient's home.

If problems are identified over the phone, patients may be requested to visit our offices for a more thorough evaluation of the device.  While at the clinic, we have an opportunity to evaluate and customize pacemaker function through the use of programming devices. Today's technologies allow these modifications without the need for invasive procedures.

In addition to the management of implanted pacing systems, patients are evaluated for the need for pacemaker therapy by the cardiologists who perform the implantation procedures. Patients and their families are also educated in the Clinic by our nurses on all aspects of pacing including: types and functions of pacemakers, short-term disability and lifestyle adjustments that might be required, follow-up procedures and requirements and instructions for contacting nursing and physician staff on a 24-hour basis if any concerns about pacemaker functions arise.

West Michigan Heart's Pacemaker Clinic follows over 8,000 patients and monitors over 5,000 tests per year via phone.