What is this program?
- Patients needing a pacemaker placed are now able to have the procedure done at Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH)
- ARH will become the third hospital in the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) able to perform the procedure joining the Royal Columbian Hospital and the Jim Pattison Centre.
- There is a team from the operating room, anesthesia, cardiac surgery, diagnostic cardiology, medical imaging, surgical day care, post operative caregivers, a triage office and cardiac network leads.
- Mission BC (and East Fraser Valley Patients) now can have the procedure done locally.
- There is planned capacity to place 312 pacemakers per year.
- They will be able to remotely monitor/check the device
What is a pacemaker and why would I need one?
- A pacemaker is a small device (see image) that is placed under the skin of the chest. It has wires (called leads) that go to the heart through a blood vessel.
- It delivers a small electrical impulse to the heart to initiate a contraction (muscle pumping action of the heart).
- It is used when the heart beats too slowly which can cause dizziness or feinting, or worse.
- There is usually no need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Is the procedure urgent? – No
- Physicians can place a temporary pacemaker which works well until a patient receives a permanent implanted device.
Information for this article provided by the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation
This is a Team Effort. Our community and our sister communities thank the Team and the FHA for their efforts in providing this service locally!
FYI – almost 80% of hospitalized seasonal influenza patients in Australia this year were children.
Promote your family’s health and safety.
Get your influenza vaccine.
- Vaccinations available at Mission Public Health, your doctor’s office, and local pharmacies
- Register by toll free calling 1(833)-2323 or go to getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca
