Pacemaker patients as candidates for shock wave lithotripsy

Performing SWL on patients with an implanted cardiac pacemaker can be done successfully, especially if a cautious approach is used. Of 3000 patients treated since 1987, 10 had pacemakers. The institution of the review committee (PC), the development of guidelines to assist with the review and selection of candidates for SWL, and the presence of a nurse coordinator to act as liaison between the urologist and the team and to prepare the patient, have all contributed to the successful treatment of stone patients with a pacemaker.