What is Known About Early Mobilisation After Cardiac Electronic Device Implant? A Scoping Review

The number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implanted has been growing and the population who receive the device is older and has more comorbidities. Long bed rest and immobilisation have always been common after the implant, but a consensus does not exist on the argument.

To map and synthesise available literature on the mobilisation approach after the implant of a CIED and which correlated outcomes exist.

A literature search was conducted in December 2023 on six databases. Screening of articles, data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by more than one author. Articles included were primary articles exploring bed rest or mobilisation after a CIED procedure. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present and synthesise the results.

Of the 113 records identified, eight matched the inclusion criteria. The majority of the articles were randomised controlled trials (n = 6). Other studies were quasi-experimental (n = 1), retrospective (n = 1) and cross-sectional (n = 1). Data descriptive analysis led to the development of three main topics: (1) mobilisation modalities, (2) potential complications and (3) type of device.

Early mobilisation after a CIED procedure appears to be safe and not associated with other complications. A predominant barrier to early mobilisation is the lack of a consensus on the time and type of mobilisation. Early mobilisation could be applied more safely with the use of an arm support. To strengthen the evidence there is a need for more rigorous research analysing the type of device and the leads utilised.