How Pacemaker Implantation Surgery Can Increase Your Life

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small device that helps maintain a regular heartbeat. The pacemaker device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemaker device is equipped to sense and send signals that cause heart to beat at correct and normal pace.  It can be a life-changing treatment for arrhythmias - a heart conditions in which heart beats in an abnormal manner.

Pacemaker helps control arrhythmias and correct rate or rhythm of heartbeat and is usually implanted to pace up the slow heart beats by sending signals to the heart. Pacemaker comprises of two main components. The first component has a pulse generator with battery and electronics to control heartbeat whereas second one has one or more small wires or leads to send electrical signals to heart.

There are several different types of pacemaker, however, the main types are:

• Single-Chamber Pacemaker
• Dual-Chamber Pacemaker
• Biventricular Pacemaker

Also termed as Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), Biventricular pacing is meant for patients of heart failure with abnormal electrical systems.

The type of pacemaker to be used depends on specific heart problem of the patient.

Why do I need a pacemaker?

You will need a pacemaker if your heart is beating in an irregular manner i.e. either too slowly or quickly. In both cases, your body tissues and vital organs do not get enough blood as required. Inadequate blood pumping by ventricles can lead to:

• Fatigue
• Fainting or Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Damage to vital organs
• Eventual death

You may need a pacemaker if there is a block in your electrical pathways of heart or you have certain types of congenital heart disease or have had heart transplant.

How do I prepare for a pacemaker?

Before pacemaker surgery, you will be asked to undergo several tests to determine that pacemaker is a right choice for you.

These tests include:

• Electrocardiogram to measure electrical signals of your heart
• Holter monitoring through a device that you will wear for 24 hours to track your heart rhythm for 24 hours.
• Stress Test to monitor your heart rate while you exercise.

In order to prepare for receiving a pacemaker, you will also be asked:

• Not to drink or eat anything at least 8 hours prior to your surgery.
• To stop taking medicines as per doctor’s advice
• Take medicines if any prescribed by your doctor  before surgery
•  Maintain personal hygiene by taking a good shower with special soap to help reduce chances of developing a potentially serious infection

 

How is pacemaker surgery performed?

Pacemaker is implanted under the skin beneath the collar bone. A sedative is administered to help patient relax while remaining awake during the procedure.

Usually, a small incision is given on left side of chest below collar bone where pacemaker generator device is placed under the skin. The doctor using live x-rays to see, places leads through the incision into a vein and then into the heart. Leads are connected to the generator and incision is closed with stitches.

What are the complications associated with a pacemaker?

Though pacemaker implantation procedure in India is performed by highly skilled doctors yet complications of pacemaker surgery include:

• An allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Bleeding
• Infection at incision site
• Damaged nerves or blood vessels
• Punctured or collapsed lung – extremely rare.
• Puncture of the heart - rare. 

What happens after pacemaker surgery?

Most patients go home same day or second day after the surgery. Before discharging, doctor re-assures that pacemaker is programmed correctly as needed. Patients are advised to refrain from rigorous physical activities and take medication as prescribed.

Patients generally asked to come for routine check up and avoid:

• Keeping a cell phone or MP3 player in the pocket over pacemaker
• Working or standing for too long near appliances like microwaves
• Certain medical procedures, such as MRI, CT scans, radiation treatment, electrocautery to control bleeding during surgery and shock wave lithotripsy
• Over exposures to metal detectors
• High-voltage transformers

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