Older people and/or patients with heart disease often require a pacemaker or defibrillator.

The pacemaker prevents the pulse from sinking too much and can increase the pulse if needed during physical exertion. In addition to the function of the pacemaker, the defibrillator can stop dangerous forms of heart palpitations. Pacemakers and defibrillators are implanted beneath the skin of the chest during a short stay. The device is connected to the heart by one or more electrodes, by which the pacemaker and defibrillator can continually monitor the ECG and stimulate the heart as required.

Which device is to be implanted depends on the type of heart disease and discomfort experienced. Defibrillators are implanted at the Dritter Orden Hospital by Dr. Markus Matula, while pacemakers are implanted by the hospital’s surgeons. Aftercare is handled in the outpatient department of the Nymphenburg Cardiac Catheterization Lab in the Dritter Orden Clinic by doctors from the cardiology practices in Burgstrasse or Weinstrasse. During this, the device is scanned by a special computer and all its functions carefully tested. If necessary, the settings of a pacemaker or defibrillator can be adjusted. Pacemakers are checked every 9-12 months, and defibrillators every 3 months.