What is a ICM? The ICM is a small light-weight device that is inserted just beneath the skin in the upper chest. It will automatically monitor heart rhythms and record them using a handheld activator.
Special considerations before your procedure:
- If your procedure is scheduled in the morning, do not eat anything after 12 midnight the night
before If your procedure is scheduled in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast.
- Take your routine medications with a sip of water.
- If you are diabetic and take insulin in the morning, take ½ of your normal dose.
- If you are are taking a diabetic medication called Glucovance/Glucophage®, stop taking this
drug______ days before your procedure unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- If you are on a blood thinner such as Coumadin®, stop taking this drug ______days before your procedure unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- If you are taking aspirin and/or Plavix®/Effient®, continue unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- If you are taking a diuretic (water pill), do not take it the day of your procedure, unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- Bring all of your medicines with you in their original containers This includes over-the-counter and herbal medicines.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
What should I expect when I arrive?
- You will check in with the receptionist at the Hanson Heart Center within Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph and be asked to fill out paperwork.
- The nurse will take you to the prep area to review your health history and answer your questions.
- In the prep area you will sign consents, change into a gown, and have two IVs started. The IVs will allow us to give you fluids and medications as needed. You will also be given an IV antibiotic to prevent infection.
- You may also need lab tests done before the procedure.
- The hair on the area of your chest will be removed with electric clippers.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will be taken into one of our procedure rooms where you will be placed on the X-ray table. You will be attached to equipment that will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level.
- A nurse is present to give you medications to help you relax and to reduce any pain or discomfort you may experience.
- Your physician will numb the area where the device will be inserted. A small incision is made in your upper chest and a “pocket” is made under the skin. This is where the ICM recorder will go.
- After the recorder has been placed, it will be tested.
- The pocket and skin will be closed and a dressing applied.
- The removal (explant) of the device is similar to insertion (implant). A small incision is made, the device is removed, the incision is closed and a dressing is applied.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to the recovery area and be monitored there for at least one hour.
- A representative for the device company will instruct you on how to use the ICM's handheld device at home.
When you go home:
- You will need to have someone drive you home.
- Go home and rest for the remainder of the day.
- Instructions concerning your medications, activity, and follow up care will be discussed in greater detail when you are discharged home.