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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Amanda Z. Beirne, ACNP-BC, MSN
Electrophysiology
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Jeffrey Yu-chen Chang, MSPAS, PA
Electrophysiology & Cardiology
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Kathryn Rose Dougherty, MMPAS, PA
Electrophysiology
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Sarfraz A.K. Durrani, MBBS, 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 Adel Hadadi, MD
Electrophysiology
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Rajiv Ashok Kabadi, MD
Electrophysiology & Cardiology
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Sung W. Lee, MD
Electrophysiology
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Jay Aaron Mazel, MD
Electrophysiology
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Glenn Robert Meininger, MD
Electrophysiology
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Edward V. Platia, MD
Electrophysiology
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David Abraham Strouse, MD
Electrophysiology
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Athanasios Thomaides, MD
Cardiology & Electrophysiology
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Cherrie C Webb, ACNP, MS
Electrophysiology
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Megan Joy Zemrose, MPAS, PA
Electrophysiology
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Our locations
Distance from Change locationEnter your location
MedStar Health: Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Franklin Square - White Square Professional Building
9105 Franklin Square Dr. Suite 209 Baltimore, MD 21237
410-554-2440
MedStar Health: Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Washington, DC 20007
855-430-5304
MedStar Health: Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7501 Surratts Road Suite 306 Clinton, MD 20735
301-877-4469
MedStar Health: Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital - Calvert Street Building
3300 North Calvert Street Calvert Street Building First Floor Baltimore, MD 21218
410-554-2044
MedStar Health: Cardiac Electrophysiology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center - Main Hospital
110 Irving Street, NW S5A-12 Washington, DC 20010
855-430-5304
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.
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.