Requirements for achieving and maintaining competency in the implantation and management of cardiac implantable electrical devices: A clinical competency statement by the Emirates Cardiac Society

Abstract

In January 2013, the ECS Board of Directors commissioned the Arrhythmia and Cardiac Electrophysiology Working Group of ECS to draft a clinical statement of the minimum requirements to achieve and maintain sufficient competency in the implantation and management of heart rhythm devices (permanent pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices). The presence of dedicated technical support personnel (electrophysiology technologist and nurse) is preferred.Ability of the implanter and facility to handle complications.Appropriate catheter laboratory or operating theater with x-ray equipment capable of imaging in the left- and right-anterior oblique positions, and appropriately equipped with emergency care facilities (external defibrillator/pacer, hemodynamic monitoring, ventilation, drugs, pericardiocentesis kit).Appropriate equipment, including pacing system analyzers and programmers from multiple manufacturers.An identifiable and dedicated pacemaker and ICD follow-up service.