Surgical basics of cardiac implantable electronic device implantation from skin incision through closure

Abstract

Implantation of pacemakers is generally considered a"minor intervention". Younger colleagues obtain their skills from experienced ones; ideally not just over the course of one or two interventions under surveillance but until a certain level of confidence is achieved. In Germany, certification is still optional. The German Cardiology Society (DSC, "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie") provides expertise courses to obtain basic knowledge of pacemaker therapy; the GCS/GSCVS has been offering certification modules since 2013 to acquire fundamental knowledge from experts and basic technical skills by simulator training. The present article illustrates the major aspects of pacemaker implantation procedures and some avoidable pitfalls.