Cardiac device clinics

The cardiac device clinic will work with you to ensure your cardiac device is working as well as it can, and that it is set up to best support you and your individual needs.

Cardiac implanted electronic devices are small devices that are placed in or near your heart to support cardiac function. 

These include pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization devices (CRTs) and implantable loop recorders.

For additional heart health services, please visit the Heart Health Services webpage.

Emergency care

If you are experiencing a device-related emergency, please go directly to your nearest Emergency Department.

When this service can help

If you have a cardiac implanted electronic device and need device support.

At the clinic, we will:

  • check your device function
  • monitor how much battery is remaining in your device
  • work with you to ensure your device settings match your needs
  • look for unusual heart rhythms that your device might see, or might be able to treat

What to expect

Before your appointment

You will be contacted with appointment details by mail and with a reminder phone call.

Bring the following to your appointment

  • Your BC Services Card or ID
  • A list of your medications
  • Any symptoms or questions you may have
During your appointment
  • You will be asked about how you are feeling and if you have any symptoms that might be related to your device.
  • Your device will be checked using a special programming computer.
  • Testing might include very short, temporary changes to your heart rate. These will only last a few seconds. Your settings will automatically return to normal after the test.
  • You can ask questions at any time.
After your appointment
  • You will be told how your device is working.
  • We will arrange for your next appointments, including follow-up through your home monitor. However, you may not be given the exact date of your next appointment at this time.
  • Your results may be shared with your doctor or other medical professionals as needed.
Extra support

For your appointment, you can:

  • Request an interpreter
  • Have Indigenous patient supports available
  • Bring a support person
  • Get help understanding your care and next steps

Cardiac device clinic locations

Connect with your local cardiac device clinic:

  1. If you have a cardiac device that was implanted in Island Health, you will automatically be connected with your local cardiac device clinic. You do not need a referral.
  2. Wait for the clinic to contact you with an appointment. We will contact you by phone and by letter. If you have not heard from your local clinic within two weeks of getting a new cardiac device implanted, please phone your local clinic.
  3. If you have moved to Island Health with a cardiac device, please call your local clinic and we will arrange for your care to be transferred.

If you are experiencing non-emergency issues with your device, please call your clinic to arrange appropriate follow-up. We do not provide walk-in appointments.

Phone: 250-739-5914
 202-1621 Dufferin Crescent
Millstone Medical Building
Nanaimo 

Phone: 250-370-8670
Clinic 2, D&T Building
1952 Bay Street
Victoria

Costs and fees

Costs that are covered by MSP include: Clinic visits, device checks, remote monitor set-up and check-ins.

Additional resources and supports

Getting ready for your cardiac device surgery

Getting a cardiac device is a surgical procedure that requires some preparation. Your doctor’s office will provide you with detailed information about what your unique pre-surgery plan will be. You can also get information about the procedure here:

Getting ready for your surgery
Going home after your procedure

Living with a cardiac device

Having a cardiac device can greatly improve your quality of life, but getting a new device is a big change and one that brings up lots of questions. Good information can help you feel confident about living comfortably with your device.

Living with a pacemaker (FAQ)
Living with an implanted electronic device (ICD FAQ)

Mental health and cardiac devices

Having a cardiac device can feel overwhelming. There are supports available to help you adjust to this change in your life.

If things are really hard: 

Vancouver Island Crisis Society operates 24-hour Crisis Lines, through which short-term support, crisis intervention, and resources can be provided.

Help Starts Here provides a confidential, 24-hour toll-free crisis line for people who are feeling suicidal, are concerned for someone who might be suicidal, or for emotional support.

Remote monitoring from home

Modern cardiac devices can be checked from the comfort of your home. We will provide a small unit to do daily checks of your device, allowing early detection of any problems. The bedside monitor also lets us do routine checks of your cardiac device without you needing to come to a clinic. 

A remote monitor is a small unit that sits at your bedside and checks in with your device at least once a day. There are no wires connecting you to your monitor and you will not be aware of when the monitor connects with your cardiac device. The monitor will only send information to the clinic if there is an alert from your cardiac device, or if the clinic has scheduled a check-in. 

For more details about how monitors work, please read Remote monitoring at home.

 

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