Maryland Heart Center

Electrophysiology Lab

Patient Instructions Before Pacemaker, Defibrillator (ICD), Battery Change, or Loop Recorder Implant

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure
A secretary will call you with the date and time of your procedure. She will mail you a packet of information about the test and directions to the Electrophysiology Lab (procedure area).
In the packet, there should be two packages with chest cleaning wipes in them. There will be a picture and directions on how to use them in the packet.
A nurse will call and tell you what medicine you should or should not take before you procedure.
If you are having a pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD) put in for the FIRST TIME, you will stay overnight in the hospital. You will likely go home mid-day the next day.
If you are having a loop recorder put in, or having your pacemaker/defibrillator(ICD) battery changed, you will go home the same day. You may not drive home, so please arrange a ride. You will likely go home between 12 to 4 PM.
You will need to get blood drawn before your procedure. Please get this done 5-12 days before the procedure, if possible. A lab slip should be in the packet that was mailed to your home. If not, please call the secretary at 410-328-7801 and tell her which lab you will go to.
Please bring a list of medicines with you on procedure day. It should say the name of medicine, the strength (200mg, etc.), and how many times per day you take it.
If you have any questions, please call the EP Lab at 410-328-7801
Our website is http://www.umm.edu/heart/arrhythmias/ep.htm

Please call if you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services. Patients dial 1-866-408-6885, physicians dial 410-328-6622 or 1-800-318-1019.