Preparing for Your Implantable Cardiac Device: Infection Prevention and Pre-Implant Readiness

This patient-facing educational handout provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help reduce infection risk and support optimal recovery for patients undergoing implantable cardiac device procedures. Designed for use before pacemaker, ICD, or other CIED implantation, the resource outlines practical actions patients can take in the days leading up to surgery to improve wound healing and procedural outcomes.

Key topics include pre-surgical nutrition recommendations to support immune function and tissue repair, detailed skin preparation instructions using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or alternatives for patients with allergies, and guidance on smoking cessation to reduce surgical and anesthesia-related risks. The handout also addresses day-of-surgery hygiene, incision site care considerations, and when to contact the care team with questions or concerns.

This resource supports standardized pre-implant workflows, reinforces infection prevention best practices, and promotes patient engagement through clear, accessible education. It can be used by device clinics as part of pre-procedure counseling, printed education packets, or digital patient education initiatives to improve consistency and quality of care in device management programs.