Y2K: Effects on pacemaker and implantable defibrillator programmers

All permanent pacemakers and implantable defibrillators (PPM/ICDs) will con tinue to function as programmed without regard to the date in the year 2000 (Y2K). All manufacturers contacted reassured us that some of these devices incorporate a day/year clock in the circuitry; however, these are not invo lved in sensing or delivering programmed therapy. Some manufacturers' devic e programmers will roll over to the year 2000 without any problems at all, whereas others may have difficulty with date and time stamping on printed r eports. We tested 14 different types of PPM/ICD programmers for Y2K complia nce using 8 tests. Five of the 14 models passed each test and were labeled at our institution with a green "Y2K" sticker to identify them as Y2K compa tible and needing no special attention after December 31, 1999. The most co mmon test failed was the ability to roll the date forward from December 31, 1999, with the programmer power off. Organizations should consider testing and replacing noncompliant device programmers or placing a red sticker wit h "Y2K" crossed out on noncompliant pieces. The red sticker alerts the adva nced practice nurse or physician to the need to confirm the appropriate dat e and lime in the programmer after startup in the year 2000 and before inte rrogating or programming any PPM/ICD, to avoid inappropriate date and time stamping on printed reports from that programmer.