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Your Medical Device ID Card
When will I get my permanent Guidant Medical Device ID card?
Protecting and Caring for Your Pacemaker
Is it safe for me to use electrical appliances?
How often should my pacemaker be checked?
Will my pacemaker ever need to be replaced?
Living With Your Pacemaker
Can I go back to my normal activities after my implant?
What does my pacemaker feel like when it's working?
When should I call my doctor?
Traveling With Your Pacemaker
How can I find a doctor when I'm traveling?
Do I need a special Medical Device ID card when I travel overseas?
Support and Product Information
Do you have information I can share with my family about my device?
What if I move or change heart doctors?
Have a Different Question?
Guidant mails your permanent Medical Device Identification (ID) card to you 6-8 weeks after your implant. This card helps identify you as a patient with an implanted medical device (pacemaker, defibrillator, or lead wire). If you do not receive your permanent card within 8 weeks, you can order a Medical Device ID card through our website. You can also call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268) to order a card.
Back to topYour pacemaker is designed to work properly around most appliances and equipment. Most things you handle or work near every day will not cause a problem. But, some strong electrical or magnetic fields may affect your pacemaker. The effects are usually temporary. Your pacemaker will return to normal as soon as you move away from the source of the field.
Learn more about sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
If you have questions about a specific appliance, tool, medical procedure, or piece of equipment, talk with your doctor. Or call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268). Check with your doctor to see if you have any other restrictions.
Back to topYour doctor will determine a follow-up schedule that is best for you. You can expect your device to be checked at least once a year with a programmer.
Back to topEventually, yes. Your pacemaker runs on a battery. Like all batteries, the battery in your pacemaker will eventually wear out. At each follow-up visit, your doctor or nurse will check your battery. When the battery power reaches a certain point, your pacemaker needs to be replaced.
There are very few activities that will be off limits to you because you have a pacemaker. Your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous activity (especially upper body activity) just after surgery. Doing so helps ensure your lead(s) has time to firmly attach to your heart tissue. After that, you will probably be able to do all of the things you did before your implant.Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about physical activity.
Back to topMost patients don't feel their pacemakers working. Whether or not you do will depend on your heart rhythm and how your pacemaker is programmed. Your doctor programs your pacemaker to work best for your condition. Talk to your doctor to find out how your pacemaker is programmed and what to expect.
Back to topCall your doctor if:
You can call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268) for any questions about your pacemaker.
Back to topVisit the Travel With Your Device section to find medical device facilities worldwide that have treated patients with Guidant products. Doctors at these facilities can help you with your device.
Back to topA special card isn't necessary, but it might help you. You can hand the card to security staff at the airport. The card explains that your pacemaker may trigger airport security alarms. The warning is printed in several languages. You can order a Medical Device Patient Travel Card on our website.
Whether or not you have a Medical Device Patient Travel Card, be sure to carry your Medical Device ID card with you at all times.
See Sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) for more information about airport security systems.
Back to topThe Details About Your Guidant Product section contains a concise summary of information about your Guidant pacemaker—including a photograph and dimensions—that you can print and share with your family. You may also want to share your patient handbook with them.
Back to topIf your name or address changes or if you get a new heart doctor, let us know so we can update your records. You can notify us of the change online on the Order a Medical Device ID Card or Travel Card page. Or you can call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268).
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