@denisern Pacemaker surgery is not a a big surgery with a long recovery. My dad had a pacemaker which is placed right under the skin with leads that are placed near the heart by threading them in. Calling in the night before for instructions is standard at Mayo. Things can always change depending on patient load, and if there have been emergencies and surgeons are required to treat critical patients.

One situation I had with surgery for a fractured ankle at Mayo, was that my surgeon could have been exposed to Covid from another family member who had been in contact with someone who tested positive. There is always a backup plan, and I was introduced to another resident surgeon who would take over if need be. I didn't know until I reported for surgery the next morning that my regular surgeon would be there. He had to do a Covid test, and it was negative, so he was cleared to do my surgery. I was having my hardware plates removed from a previous ankle fracture, so it wasn't complicated. That's just one example. I have also had a colonoscopy re-scheduled to a different doc at the last minute because of staff reassignment to cover hospital shifts when a hospital doctor had called in sick . That wasn't at Mayo, just a local doctor.

This discussion might be of interest where you can connect with other patients talking about getting a pacemaker. My dad was so much better having a pacemaker.

-- Heart Rhythm Conditions -- "Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-recipients/