If you are interested in learning more about CRT therapy, please visit the CRT procedure page for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
Your permanent Medical Device Identification Card will be mailed to you a few weeks after your implant. This wallet-sized card helps identify you as a patient with an implanted Boston Scientific medical device. If you do not receive your permanent card within eight weeks, call 1-866-484-3268 to order a card.
If your name or address changes, or if you get a new cardiac doctor, let us know so we can update our records. You can notify us by calling 1-866-484-3268.
Patients with a CRT device can feel confident and safe when traveling. The Medical Device ID card that you receive with your device helps alert medical and security personnel that you have an implanted CRT device. It’s important to carry your card when traveling because the device contains metal parts that may set off airport security metal detector alarms. Airport security wands could also temporarily affect the device. Security personnel should perform a hand search instead of using a handheld wand. If a wand must be used, you can ask security personnel to do the search quickly and not to hold the wand over the device.
Whether you are able to drive once you have a CRT device will depend on your specific symptoms (like passing out prior to the implant) and the driving laws where you live. Generally, having a CRT device does not prohibit you from driving, although you may be asked to wait to drive during the early stage of recovery. In some cases, restrictions are necessary. That’s because a few seconds of unconsciousness could be dangerous to both you and others. Your doctor or nurse will discuss any restrictions with you.
For most people with a CRT device, sexual intimacy is not a medical risk. This is because the natural heart rate increase that occurs during sex is the same as the heart rate increase when you exercise. Your doctor may perform exercise tests to become familiar with how your heart rate increases. This will help him or her program the CRT device settings.
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Implantable Devices
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Devices
Important Safety Information
Cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers (CRT-P) and defibrillators (CRT-D) are designed to treat heart failure patients who may or may not have symptoms or who may have symptoms despite the best available drug therapy. They are also designed to help your heart pump more effectively and meet your body’s need for blood flow. These devices are sensitive to strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be affected by certain sources of electric or magnetic fields. Some of the risks encountered during the implant procedure include, but are not limited to, the following: Bleeding, formation of a blood clot, damage to adjacent structures (tendons, muscles, nerves), puncture of a lung or vein, damage to the heart (perforation or tissue damage), dangerous arrhythmias, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, death. Some of the risks encountered after the ICD system is implanted may include, but are not limited to, the following: Infection, erosion of the skin near your device, lead(s) may move out of place in the heart, device may move from the original implant site, difficulty coping with having an implanted device. The device might be prevented from shocking or pacing due to electromagnetic interference. Electrodes on the lead or the pacing pulses may cause an irritation or damaging effect on the surrounding tissues, including heart tissue and nerves. You may receive a shock or pacing therapy when it is not needed (unnecessary therapy). The device might not be able to detect or appropriately treat your heart rhythms. The device may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. You may experience some discomfort from the incision as you recover from the surgery. With all medical procedures there are risks associated. In rare cases device failure or death can occur. Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of this system. To obtain a copy of the device Patient Handbook for more detailed device safety information, go to www.bostonscientific.com, or you can request a copy by calling 1-866-484-3268 or writing to Boston Scientific, 4100 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55112. Rx only
Device Quality and Reliability
It is Boston Scientific’s intent to provide implantable devices of high quality and reliability. However, these devices may exhibit malfunctions that may result in lost or compromised ability to deliver therapy. Refer to Boston Scientific’s CRM product performance report on www.bostonscientific.com for more information about device performance, including the types and rates of malfunctions that these devices have experienced historically. While historical data may not be predictive of future device performance, such data can provide important context for understanding the overall reliability of these types of products. Also, it is important that you talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with the implantation of a device.
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