Definition:
Pacemaker implant is the procedure of placing the pacemaker under the skin of your chest. A pacemaker is a match box sized electronic device that is placed under the left collarbone. This device is powered by lithium iodide battery and has a tiny computer to monitor heartbeat. Usually, battery life typically ranges from seven to 15 years depending on the number of wires used. These wires are those that are inserted in the heart through a vein. This is one end that’s inserted and the other end is attached to the pacemaker.
The modern pacemakers come with the facility of recording heartbeat, monitoring blood temperature, breathing rate and other factors to adjust your heart rate according to the changes in the activity. Pacemakers are used to control a slow or fast heart rhythm by giving small electrodes (electrical pulses). It is different from Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator because it uses light electrodes to control a heart beat; while, ICD uses high rate of electrode causing a thump in heart to cure irregular heart beat.
A pacemaker is implanted by giving local anesthesia. In the operation theatre, the surgeon is accompanied by a cardiologist to monitor the proceedings. The surgeon makes an incision above the collar bone. Then, the insulated wire is inserted into the heart through a large vein into the chambers of heart. These wires deliver an electrical charge to regulate an asymmetrical heartbeat. They are placed in the areas of the heart requiring stimulation. Finally, the wire or wires are attached to the pacemaker and it’s placed under the skin of patient’s chest.
Purpose:
Pacemaker is implanted in the body to control irregular arrhythmia. There are different types of pacemakers that are used, according to the condition of a patient.
- Single Chamber Pacemaker: Such pacemaker uses one lead, which is placed wither in the right atrium or in the right ventricle. When the patient is treated through right atrium, the pacemaker kindles the atria to contract and the impulse continues to the ventricles for completing heartbeat. On the other hand, the patient treated with right ventricle receives pacing in lower chambers of the heart.
- Dual Chamber Pacemaker: These types of pacemakers use two leads, one is placed in right atrium and the other placed in right ventricle. The electrodes delivered to the heart are timed in such a way that it stimulates the atria to contract just before ventricles. An important thing is that the timings are set in such a manner that atria and ventricles beat in tune with each other.
- Rate Responsive Pacemaker: This pacemaker is used to control the heartbeat as per bodily changes. It uses a sensor that recognizes the body changes and adjusts your heartbeat.
The primary task of a pacemaker is to adapt your heartbeat to the changes in the body and saves it from getting irregular. Pacemakers, generally, treat slow heart rhythm with the help of a small electrical charge to the heart. These can be placed permanently or temporarily, depending on the condition of patient. The temporary pacemaker is used to treat arrhythmias that arouse for a small period of time. It is placed in the patient’s body till the symptoms get cured completely.
Precautions:
After you have had your pacemaker surgery, your doctor will ask you to avoid jerky and sudden movements of your operated arm for at least 4 weeks. The doctor will also not allow you to move the operated side shoulder for few weeks. You should also avoid coming in contact with devices that emit electromagnetic waves, such as MRI scan machine, metal detectors, magnets and other such devices. \
Pre and Post care:
Before starting the process, you would be required to various cardiac tests, including ECG (Electro Cardio Gram). Your cardiologist will ask you to stop taking any medications for controlling hear rate. You would also be asked by the doctor to stop eating and drinking 12 hours before the surgery. Several monitors will be attached to you for monitoring heart rate.
Now, after the surgery is done, you will be undergoing regular check-up for adjusting the settings of the pacemaker. Even, the pacemaker batteries will be checked regularly to maintain the proper function. After the battery of the pacemaker reaches a certain point, the pacemaker will be replaced. Most important thing to note is that you should avoid strenuous activities after the surgery to avoid complications.
Risks:
Though pacemaker implant is a safe procedure; it still has certain risks accompanies with it.
- Internal bleeding
- Hemorrhage
- Embolism
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
- Infection around incision area
Hospital Stay:
You will be admitted to the hospital one day prior to the surgery. During this day, you will be undergoing tests and main surgical procedure. After you have had your surgery, the doctor will keep you in the hospital for one to five days, depending on the conditions.
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