Pacemaker Implantation Surgery

HEART PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION SURGERY

A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device. The device senses if the heart is beating irregularly or too slowly. It sends signals to the patient’s heart that makes his heart beat at the right pace.

Surgery Time

The surgical procedure takes between 1-2hrs only.

Anesthesia Type

General Anesthesia

Description

The newer pacemakers weigh as little as 1 ounce (28 grams).

Most pacemakers have 2 parts:

• The generator consists of the battery and the specifics to manipulate the heartbeat.

• The leads are wires that join the heart to the generator and bring the electrical messages to the heart.

A pacemaker is implanted beneath the skin. Patient may be given a sedative to help him relax. Patient could be awake during the technique.

A small incision (cut) is made. Most often, the cut is on the left side (in case patient is right-handed) of the chest underneath his collar bone. The pacemaker generator is then located beneath the skin at this location. The generator might also be located in the abdomen; however, this is less commonplace. A new "leadless" pacemaker is a self-contained unit that is implanted within the proper ventricle of the coronary heart.

Using live x-rays to explore the area, the surgeon places the leads through the cut, into a vein, after which into the heart. The leads are connected to the generator. The skin is closed with stitches. Most patients go home in 1 day of the procedure.

There are 2 types of pacemakers used preferably in medical emergencies.

• Transcutaneous pacemakers

• Transvenous pacemakers

They are temporary pacemakers.

Why the Procedure is Performed

Pacemakers may be used for patients who have heart troubles that makes their heart to beat too slowly. A slower heartbeat thank usual is also known as bradycardia. Two usual issues that cause a slow heartbeat are sinus node disorder and heart block.

When the heart beats are too slow, the body and brain might not get sufficient oxygen. And the symptoms can be

• Lightheadedness

• Tiredness

• Fainting spells

• Shortness of breath

Some pacemakers may be used to reduce a heart beat that is too speedy (tachycardia) or if it is irregular.

Other types of pacemakers can be used in excessive heart failure. These are referred to as biventricular pacemakers. They assist coordinate the beating of the heart chambers.

Most biventricular pacemakers implanted today also can work as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). ICD fix a regular heartbeat with the aid of delivering a larger shock whilst a potentially deadly rapid heart rhythm occurs.

Risks

Possible issues of pacemaker implantation procedure are:

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Bleeding

• Punctured lung. This is rare.

• Infection

• Puncture of the heart, which can result in bleeding across the heart. This is rare.

A pacemaker senses if the heartbeat is above a certain level. When its beyond that level, the pacemaker will stop sending impulses to the heart. The pacemaker also can detect while the heartbeat slows down too much. It will automatically start pacing the heart again to bring it to an optimum rhythm.

After the Procedure

Patient may likely go home after 1 day or even the same day in a few cases. Patient have to be able to go back to his ordinary routine quickly.

When patient go away from the hospital, they may be given a card to maintain. This card lists the details of his pacemaker and has contact statistics for emergencies. Patient have to always keep this card in his pocket.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Pacemakers can assist the patient keep his heart rhythm and rate at a safe level. The pacemaker battery usually lasts between 6 to 15 years. Hospital provider will check the battery regularly and update it when necessary.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.