Pacemaker

Have an improved heart rate by balancing the pace of heartbeats with a pacemaker. Live a life free from cardiac issues.

A Pacemaker is a device placed in the chest to encourage proper heartbeat. The device promotes regular heartbeat if you have arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), mostly the problem of a slower heart after a heart attack, medication overdose or surgery.

Pacemaker implantation is a surgical process carried out by an expert cardiac surgeon when the intrinsic electrical system of your heart fails. There are different types of pacemakers based on the exact heart condition that is implanted differently. It can be both temporary and permanent.

Let’s know more about the device. It is essential to know the details if you require a pacemaker.

Functioning of a pacemaker

An electronic pacemaker imitates the functioning of your natural electrical system of the heart. The device is comprised of two parts:

  • Pulse generator: It is a small metal container with a battery and an electrical circuit that controls the rate of electrical pulses.
  • Leads or electrodes: one or more insulated and flexible wires that are placed in one or more heart chambers. They deliver the electrical pulses to the heart adjusting the heart rate.

Pacemakers function only in times of need. In the case of a slower heartbeat, it will send electrical signals to the heart to regulate your beat.  There are newer pacemakers that come with sensors to detect body motion or rate of breathing, helping the device detect the boost in heart rate much easier.

Types of Pacemakers

Your cardiologist will decide the type of pacemaker you require based on your heart condition and symptoms. Once a detailed diagnostic evaluation is performed, the right kind of pacemaker will be chosen for you.

Single Chamber Pacemaker

It comprises one lead or electrode that links the pulse generator to a single chamber of the heart. A single chamber pacemaker is used to control the pace of the heartbeat by connecting the electrode (lead) to the right ventricle – the lower heart chamber.

Referring to your symptoms and the level of pace you need, the lead may also be connected to your right atrium or upper heart chamber to promote pacing.

Dual Chamber Pacemaker

This type of pacemaker comprises two leads that connect to both the right heart chambers – the right atrium and the right ventricle. The dual-chamber pacemaker is implanted to regulate the pace of contractions in both chambers. It promotes proper rhythms of contraction and relaxation of both chambers. Proper contractions allow smoother blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

Biventricular Pacemaker

Also called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, the biventricular pacemaker comprises three electrodes that connect to your right atrium and both the ventricles. The pacemaker is used to treat patients with arrhythmias, a disease caused due to advanced heart failure.  

If you have had heart failure, your right and left ventricle will fail to pump in rhythm. So, to program the contractions of both the ventricles at the same time, cardiologists implant CRT-D. Bringing the ventricular contractions in coordination helps the heart to pump blood efficiently and treat heart failure symptoms.

Pacemaker implantation – The Process

Preparing for the surgery:

Before fixing a pacemaker, the cardiologist will give you drugs or local anesthesia to numb the treatment area during the surgery. In some cases, blood thinning medicines are prescribed to prevent blood clots and antibiotics for infection during the process.

During the surgery:

More than one insulated, flexible wire is inserted into a vein close to or under your collarbone. The wires are guided to the heart with help of X-ray images. One end of the wire is secured to the exact location in the heart, while the other end is connected to the pulse generator of the pacemaker that is implanted under the skin below your collarbone.

After the procedure

You will likely stay in the hospital for a day after the surgery. The cardiologist will program the device to serve your pacing needs.

Pacemakers can be tracked remotely. Your doctor’s office will receive the transmissions from the pacemaker that suggests your heart rhythm and rate. They will know if the device is working well and how long will its battery last.

Here are a few precautions to take after getting a pacemaker implanted in your body:

  • After discharge, do not drive back home on your own.
  • Considering your heart condition, your cardiac specialist may advise you to ignore vigorous exercise or weight-lifting for at least a month or two.
  • Do not apply pressure on the operated area. In case of pain or swelling, contact your doctor immediately.

In case you go for any medical tests, let the concerned doctor know about your pacemaker implantation.

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Yashoda Hospital, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082.
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