What is a pacemaker?
A heart pacemaker or a pacemaker is a device implanted in the body that provides electrical impulses to stimulate the heart muscle and speed up the heartbeat when it is too slow.
As technology progresses, your cardiologist has a choice of several types of pacemaker. An electrophysiologist (a cardiologist specialising in heart rhythm disorders) will fit your pacemaker, in general positioning the box, connected to one or more electrodes, just under the left collarbone.
Depending on your heart rhythm disorder, you may also be offered an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to treat atrial fibrillation. Some defibrillators are strictly subcutaneous (i.e. the box and the lead are placed under the skin, without direct contact with the heart or the vessels).
How does a pacemaker work?
A pacemaker sends a very weak electrical impulse that travels through the leads to the heart muscle.
Why should I have a pacemaker fitted?
Most patients receive a pacemaker when they suffer from arrhythmia, i.e., an abnormality in the electrical activity of the heart that leads to irregular heartbeats.
Tachycardia is when your heart beats too fast, while bradycardia is when your heart beats too slowly.
Arrhythmias are common abnormalities that do not usually cause health problems. However, in rare cases, they can cause dizziness or extreme fatigue, for example.
How is a pacemaker fitted?
Having a pacemaker fitted is generally performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. Most people are treated as a day case.
Preparing for your hospital stay with ELSAN in France
How can I make an appointment ?
FAQ
How can I obtain a visa?
To obtain your visa for France, you will need to apply to the French Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have paid the care cost estimate provided by the ELSAN International Patients Department, you will be sent a letter of invitation and a certificate of payment signed by the hospital where your procedure will take place. These documents should be attached to your visa application.
What about follow-up treatment?
Depending on your personal situation, your medical team may recommend a rehabilitation hospital stay. This will be discussed with you.
How long before I can fly?
Your doctor will make specific recommendations. We suggest that you ask them to issue a Fit to Fly certificate, as depending on your medical situation, it may be necessary to respect a certain time limit in the interest of your health.
Will I be reimbursed?
For patients not covered by French health insurance, we provide an estimate of the cost of treatment. You should submit this estimate, along with your treatment plan, to your insurer to obtain their prior agreement, in accordance with your insurance policy.
In some cases insurers will pay directly (avoiding any advance payments by the policyholder) or reimburse the policyholder on proof of payment (paid invoice). This will depend on your insurance policy.