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Cardiac Rhythm Device Implantation and Follow-Up |
In order to function well as a pump, the heart requires a normal functioning electrical system. When the heart’s electrical system is diseased, cardiac rhythm devices are frequently used to treat and/or prevent abnormal heart rhythms. Cardiac pacemakers are used to treat slow heart rhythms. Defibrillators are used to treat abnormally fast heart rhythms originating in the heart’s lower chambers, or ventricles. Cardiac resynchronization devices, or biventricular devices, can help in the treatment of congestive heart failure. More recently, prophylactic defibrillators can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with weakened heart muscle. Finally, implantable loop recorders can help determine the cause of syncope (loss of consciousness) in patients where no other testing has demonstrated the likely cause.
Presently, over 1000 patients are followed in our Device Follow-up Clinic and that number is growing every day. Improved technology has allowed much of device follow up to be done remotely. Raleigh Cardiology Associates is also very active in cardiac rhythm device research, offering patients the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of medical technology.
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