IRCCS Policlinico San Donato performs the most cardiac surgeries in Italy, completing 1,500+ procedures every year. The clinic maintains a 97% success rate for cardiac operations and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification. Their Electrophysiology Lab features a specialized robotic room and modern X-ray systems to improve accuracy. Pacemaker installation typically requires only a 1-day hospital stay. The facility provides continuous ECG monitoring and even uses telepresence robots to help patients stay connected with their medical team.
","text_type":"mt_wow_description","best_texts":{"techniques":"Low-dose fluoroscopy, 3D rotational angiography","good_fit_for":"Patients needing old pacemaker leads removed or replaced","why_its_ranked":"Dedicated electrophysiology lab with 3 operating rooms and low-X-ray fluoroscopy for precise pacemaker placement. 3D cardiac reconstruction and telemedicine ECG monitoring. Led by a world-leading arrhythmologist with 130,000+ procedures."},"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}],"procedure_prices":[{"prices":{"price_from":40,"price_to":70,"currency":"USD","id":12918},"diagnostic":{"id":21,"name":"ECG","alias":"ecg"}},{"prices":{"price_from":390,"price_to":460,"currency":"USD","id":29080},"diagnostic":{"id":605,"name":"Online Consultation with Heart Surgeon","alias":"online-consultation-with-heart-surgeon"}}],"reviews":[],"clinic":{"id":298,"alias":"irccs-policlinico-san-donato","name":"San Donato Hospital","logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/clinic_logo/298-6ab44dd379f2e.png","short_description":"San Donato Hospital is an IRCCS-accredited cardiology and cardiac surgery center. It performs over 9,400 heart and blood vessel operations each year – the most in Italy. Core specialties include cardiology, cardiac surgery, arrhythmology, and rehabilitation.
San Raffaele Hospital performs over 52,000 surgeries annually, with cardiovascular surgery among its strongest specialties. Prof. Alberto Margonato, Head of the Clinical Cardiology Unit, has performed over 3,000 cardiac catheterizations, coronary angiographies, and pacemaker implants.
San Raffaele Hospital is a top European research center with Italy's IRCCS accreditation. It achieved the world's first stem cell therapy for severe combined immune deficiency. Its main specialties are oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
Dr. Giuseppe Speziale has performed thousands of pacemaker implantations and holds leadership roles at major cardiac surgery departments. He specializes in minimally invasive cardiac procedures and completed advanced training at La Sapienza University. The clinic's pacemaker installation typically costs around $12,900–$15,200. Dr. Speziale is Vice President of GVM Care & Research and a member of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy is a Rome hospital founded in 1932 and part of GVM Care & Research. It treats around 15,000 patients each year. The hospital is accredited by the Italian National Health Service.
Maria Cecilia Hospital specializes in advanced cardiac care, with a multidisciplinary Heart Team managing complex cases. Dr. Saverio Iacopino, a pioneer in electrophysiology with _doctor_4797_years_ of experience, was among the first in Italy to implant the Micra TPS – the world's smallest pacemaker. He holds fellowships from the European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology, and directs studies on rare arrhythmia syndromes. The hospital handles over 15% of Italy's cardiac surgeries and hosts international training events through its GVM Campus.
Maria Cecilia Hospital is the founding hospital of the GVM Care Research network in Italy. It handles over 15% of the country’s cardiac surgeries and treats 9,000 patients a year. Its main specialties are cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, neurosurgery, diabetic foot care, and weight loss surgery.
The clinic has two specialists for heart pacemaker installation, including Prof. Giuseppe Speziale, a cardiac surgeon specializing in minimally invasive valve surgery who received the “Top Doctors Awards” in 2021. He is the Director of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at multiple hospitals and has extensive experience in valve repair and thoracic aortic surgery.
Ospedale Santa Maria is an Italian Health Service-accredited hospital founded in 1969. It is a national reference for male and female infertility treatment and medically assisted reproduction. The hospital also runs a dedicated Breast Unit for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Prof. Giuseppe Speziale specializes in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, performing advanced procedures at Anthea Hospital and Città di Lecce Hospital.
Dr. Giuseppe Speziale is a cardiac surgeon specializing in minimally invasive valve surgery at Ospedale Santa Maria. He is the National Coordinator of Cardiac Surgery for GVM Care & Research. Dr. Speziale earned the Top Doctors Award for his surgical expertise. He co-founded the Mitral Academy to improve restorative heart surgery techniques.
Ospedale Santa Maria is an Italian Health Service-accredited hospital founded in 1969. It is a national reference for male and female infertility treatment and medically assisted reproduction. The hospital also runs a dedicated Breast Unit for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Dr. Giuseppe Speziale is a cardiac surgeon and Director of Cardiac Surgery at Santa Maria Hospital. He lives and works in Rome. He focuses on minimally invasive and noninvasive valvular surgeries. Dr. Speziale serves as the Vice President of GVM Care & Research. He treats complex conditions like atrial fibrillation and mitral valve prolapse.
Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy is a Rome hospital founded in 1932 and part of GVM Care & Research. It treats around 15,000 patients each year. The hospital is accredited by the Italian National Health Service.
Dr. Alberto Margonato is the Head of the Clinical Cardiology Unit at San Raffaele Hospital. He has performed over 3,000 cardiac catheterizations and coronary angiographies. Dr. Margonato serves as a Full Professor of Cardiology at Vita-Salute University. He specializes in treating coronary artery disease and managing complex heart conditions.
San Raffaele Hospital is a top European research center with Italy's IRCCS accreditation. It achieved the world's first stem cell therapy for severe combined immune deficiency. Its main specialties are oncology, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery.
Dr. Saverio Iacopino is a cardiologist at Maria Cecilia Hospital in Italy. He was among the first surgeons in Italy to implant the Micra TPS. This is the smallest pacemaker in the world. It requires no surgery for implantation. Dr. Iacopino specializes in treating complex cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure.
Maria Cecilia Hospital is the founding hospital of the GVM Care Research network in Italy. It handles over 15% of the country’s cardiac surgeries and treats 9,000 patients a year. Its main specialties are cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, neurosurgery, diabetic foot care, and weight loss surgery.
This operation places a device in the chest to regulate an irregular heartbeat, improving heart efficiency and quality of life.
"}}},"operationIndicators":{"details":{"anesthesia":"local","days_in_clinic":2,"days_in_country":7,"rehabilitation_days":1,"satisfied_percent":78,"treatment_duration_hours":2},"illness_kind_details":{"requests_processed":3049}},"direction":{"id":23,"name":"Heart Surgery","alias":"heart-surgery"},"illness_kind":{"id":23,"name":{"en":"Heart Surgery"}},"parsed_details":{"procedure_type":"surgery","fields":{"anesthesia":["local"],"back_to_work_days":{"min":3,"max":7,"unit":"days","qualifier":"For desk-based work after uncomplicated transvenous single- or dual-chamber pacemaker implantation; heavy manual work usually takes longer."},"complication_rate_pct":{"min":4,"max":10,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Any acute complication within 90 days (hematoma, lead issue, pneumothorax, infection); serious ones about 1-3%"},"contraindications":["Active systemic infection or sepsis","Infection at the planned implant site","Blocked venous access on intended side (relative)","Uncorrected bleeding disorder or unmanageable anticoagulation (relative)"],"days_in_clinic":{"min":0,"max":1,"unit":"nights","qualifier":"Uncomplicated transvenous pacemaker implantation; many patients go home the same day or after one night of observation."},"diagnostic_duration_minutes":null,"diagnostic_preparation":null,"diagnostic_referral_needed":null,"diagnostic_result_time_hours":null,"exercise_resume_weeks":{"min":4,"max":6,"unit":"weeks","qualifier":"Light activity earlier; avoid raising implant-side arm above shoulder and strenuous exercise until lead stabilizes and clinician clears."},"final_result_months":{"min":1,"max":3,"unit":"months","qualifier":"Rhythm support is immediate; leads stabilize over about 4-6 weeks, with final programming at first device check."},"fly_home_after_days":{"min":3,"max":7,"unit":"days","qualifier":"After stable device check, chest X-ray and wound review; later if pocket hematoma, pneumothorax or lead problem."},"follow_up_visits":[{"purpose":"wound_check","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":7,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Wound inspection and, if needed, suture removal."}},{"purpose":"assessment","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":30,"max":90,"unit":"days","qualifier":"First device interrogation and programming check."}}],"indications":["Symptomatic bradycardia due to sinus node dysfunction","Acquired high-grade or complete atrioventricular block","Symptomatic bradycardia with atrial fibrillation (slow ventricular response)","Recurrent syncope from conduction disease or selected reflex syncope"],"main_risks":["Pocket hematoma","Device or pocket infection","Pneumothorax","Lead dislodgement or malfunction requiring repositioning","Cardiac perforation or pericardial effusion (rare)","Venous thrombosis or vein stenosis","Tricuspid regurgitation related to the lead","Bleeding or reaction to anesthesia/medication"],"pain":"Mild to moderate discomfort at the incision/pocket site for a few days, usually managed with simple analgesics; the procedure itself is done under local anesthesia.","preparation":["Cardiology evaluation with ECG and rhythm documentation confirming pacing indication","Pre-procedure blood tests (blood count, coagulation, kidney function)","Review of current medications and allergies by the treating team","Fasting for several hours before the procedure as instructed","Skin preparation of the chest area and informed consent","Arrange transport and help at home after discharge"],"recovery_timeline":[{"phase":"Day 0-1","description":"Observation after implantation; chest X-ray and device check are common before discharge.","restrictions":["No driving on the day of the procedure","Keep the wound dry"]},{"phase":"Week 1-2","description":"Wound healing; discomfort settles; wound check.","restrictions":["No car driving for about one week","Keep the wound dry","Avoid lifting heavy objects with the implant-side arm","Avoid raising the arm above shoulder level vigorously"]},{"phase":"Week 4-6","description":"Leads stabilize; gradual return to full activity per clinician guidance.","restrictions":["Avoid strenuous upper-body exercise until cleared"]},{"phase":"Long term","description":"Regular device checks and battery monitoring.","restrictions":[]}],"rehabilitation_days":{"min":7,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Ordinary functional recovery for daily activities after uncomplicated transvenous implantation; no formal rehabilitation program is usually needed."},"result_longevity":"Device battery typically lasts several years (often around 7-12 years depending on device type and pacing use), after which the generator is replaced; leads often last longer.","revision_rate_pct":{"min":2,"max":5,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Lead repositioning or reintervention within first year, mostly lead dislodgement; excludes routine battery replacement"},"scars":"A small linear scar of a few centimeters below the collarbone, usually fading over time; a visible bulge from the device may be noticeable in thin patients.","sessions_or_stages":{"sessions":{"min":1,"max":1,"unit":"visits","qualifier":"Single implantation procedure."},"stages":[{"code":"implantation","label":"Pacemaker generator and lead implantation","after":{"min":0,"max":0,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Performed in one procedure on the day of treatment."}}],"qualifier":"Standard single-stage transvenous implantation; follow-up checks are not counted as treatment sessions."},"success":{"metric":"Successful lead implantation with symptom relief","value":97,"unit":"percent","horizon":"At implantation and first device check","population":"Adults with symptomatic bradycardia or AV block receiving transvenous pacemaker","evidence_status":"limited"},"techniques":[{"name":"Transvenous single-chamber pacemaker","suits_whom":"Patients needing ventricular pacing only, such as permanent atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular rate.","recovery":"Similar short recovery; return to light activity within days."},{"name":"Transvenous dual-chamber pacemaker","suits_whom":"Patients with sinus node dysfunction or AV block who benefit from atrioventricular synchrony.","recovery":"Similar short recovery; arm-movement precautions for several weeks."},{"name":"Leadless pacemaker","suits_whom":"Selected patients with limited venous access or high infection risk who need single-chamber ventricular pacing.","recovery":"No chest pocket or lead; recovery often quicker with fewer arm restrictions."}],"treatment_conditions":["day_case","inpatient"],"treatment_duration_hours":{"min":1,"max":2,"unit":"hours","qualifier":"Single standard transvenous single- or dual-chamber pacemaker implantation; longer for more complex cases."},"initial_assessment_documents":["12-lead ECG tracing","24-hour Holter monitor report","Echocardiogram report","Cardiology discharge summary or recent clinic letter","List of blood thinners","Recent blood test results"],"travel_trips":{"min":1,"max":1,"one_trip_possible":true,"qualifier":"Single implantation; stay 3-7 days for first wound review and chest X-ray. Later checks can be done at home."},"clinic_checks":null,"red_flags":null,"warning_signs":null,"take_home":null,"alternatives":null,"technique_details":null}},"hrefLanguages":[{"rel":"alternate","hreflang":"ru","language":"ru","href":"https://ru.bookimed.com/clinics/country=italiya/procedure=ustanovka-kardiostimulyatora/"}],"questionsAndAnswers":[],"seoTests":{"thin_content":false,"no_txt_after_3_clinics":false},"offerFilters":{"offer_count":0,"country_filter":[{"id":34,"name":"Spain","alias":"spain","iso_code":"ES"}],"price_filter":{"from":0,"to":0,"avg":0}},"leadsCount":{"leads_count":13},"manualSeo":[],"updatedAt":"2026-11-10T06:00:13.721Z","activeCountries":["IT","TR","AT","TH"],"hasVideoReviewsByContext":true,"hasCriticalApiFallback":false}