ITE Cardiology Practice Exam

Interrogating the device to determine type and function is essential in preoperative planning. Knowing the exact device model, whether it’s a pacemaker, ICD, or CRT, and its current settings tells you if the patient relies on pacing, if tachyarrhythmia therapies are active, and what the battery and lead status are. This information guides perioperative decisions such as whether the device needs reprogramming (for example, to suspend tachyarrhythmia therapies or to set appropriate pacing modes), whether magnet mode should be used, and what level of external pacing or defibrillation readiness is required. Without interrogation, you risk unexpected device behavior during surgery, inappropriate therapies being delivered or suppressed, and inadequate planning for EMI from the surgical energy source. Relying on memory or removing the device are not appropriate approaches, as accurate, current device data are needed to keep the patient safe.