Antibradycardia Pacemakers

Pacemakers are being used with increasing frequency in the United States, and healthcare professionals are likely to encounter patients for whom pacemakers may be indicated. The purpose of this course is to provide basic information on pacemaker therapy, indications for implantation, preprocedure and postprocedure care, identification and management of pacemaker malfunctions, and patient education. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Describe the incidence, history, and trends in permanent pacemaker therapy for adults.

2. Review normal cardiac conduction.

3. Describe the basic components of an antibradycardia pacemaker system.

4. Outline the basic and advanced pacemaker functions.

5. Discuss five-digit pacemaker coding systems.

6. Discuss the features of single and dual chamber atrial and ventricular demand pacemakers.

7. Review symptomatic bradycardia and sinus node dysfunction indications for permanent pacemaker implantation in adults.

8. Discuss second- and third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block as indications for permanent pacemaker implantation.

9. Identify other potential indications for permanent pacemaker implantation.

10. Describe key aspects of patient history that should be included in the diagnosis and evaluation of a patient for permanent pacemaker implantation.

11. Discuss diagnostic tests used in the evaluation of a patient for permanent pacemaker implantation.

12. List factors that should be considered in the selection of a specific type of pacemaker for an individual patient.

13. Briefly describe the preprocedure care and implantation procedure for permanent pacemakers.

14. Identify key points involved in monitoring pacemaker function in the postimplantation period.

15. List key components of discharge education and follow-up care for a patient following permanent pacemaker insertion.

16. Discuss identification and management of common pacemaker problems including end-of-battery life indications, failure to sense, failure to fire, and failure to capture.

17. Review pacemaker syndrome, including signs and symptoms, underlying cause, and management.

18. Describe the management of patients requiring biventricular pacemakers for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), including indications for use and patient monitoring.


This 15-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.