Pacemaker Implantation

Pacemaker Implantation at Medica

A pacemaker implantation is a type of surgery that involves the placement of a small electronic device in the chest (just below the collarbone) to stabilize slow electrical problems with the heart (arrhythmia). A pacemaker may be advised to ensure that the heartbeat does not slow to an unsafely low rate.

The Pacemaker aids in the regulation of heart rhythm and irregular heartbeats. Shortness of breath, dizziness, and total blackout are all symptoms of complete heart block.

The doctor inserts the device beneath the skin via a small pocket and connects it to the patient’s heart via fine wires. Some patients require a Pacemaker for a short period of time (for example, after a heart attack) to normalise the heart’s rhythm. For them, an external Pacemaker that is battery powered and remains outside the skin is attached (in form of a belt or otherwise).

What is a Pacemaker?

It is a small device that assists your heart in beating consistently. It provides a small electric stimulation that aids in the maintenance of a steady heartbeat in various arrhythmia conditions. This allows the patient’s body to circulate oxygen and other vital nutrients from the blood vessels. Pacemakers, which are typically implanted, mimic the normal action of the heart’s electrical system and are made up of two parts:

Pulse Generator: A small metal container containing a battery and electrical circuitry that generates the electrical heart pulse.

Leads (Electrodes): These are insulated wires that are placed in the chamber(s) of the heart to deliver electrical pulses that help to regulate the irregular heart rate.

What is the Purpose of a Pacemaker?

What are the Various Types of Pacemakers?

There are the following types of Pacemakers:

Single Chamber Pacemakers: These are the simplest Pacemakers. There is only one lead in these Pacemakers. The doctor connects the lead to only a single chamber of the heart. In most cases, the doctor joins the right ventricle with the lead.

Dual-Chamber Pacemakers: These Pacemakers have two leads. These two leads attach to the right auricle and right ventricle. Dual-chamber Pacemakers manage the contraction pace of both the right auricle and right ventricle.

Three Lead Pacemakers: These Pacemakers have three leads. These leads connect to the right ventricle, left ventricle, and right auricle. The doctor implants this Pacemaker when there is no rhythm among both sides of the heart. These Pacemakers normalize the rhythm of both sides of the heart.

What Tests do Doctors Perform Before Pacemaker Implantation?

The doctor performs some tests before Pacemaker implantation. These tests help the doctor to determine the cause of irregular rhythm. Some of the tests are:

• ECG: This test evaluates the electrical function of the heart. Through ECG, the doctor finds whether the heart is functioning too slowly, too fast, or there is no activity.
• Holter monitoring: This device continuously records the heartbeats. The benefit of this device is that it helps to diagnose conditions that occur at an irregular time. The doctor may advise the patients to wear the device at least for 1-2 days.
• Echocardiogram: This method helps to analyse the complete structure of the heart. This test also provides details about the blood flow and functioning of heart valves.
• Stress Tests: The doctor performs the stress test to find the performance of the heart during exercise. The doctor asks the patient to run on a treadmill. The doctor then takes the ECG to find any problem in the heart.

What are the Risks of Having a Pacemaker?

As with other surgeries, patients with Pacemaker implantation method may have the following risks:

• Movement of the Pacemaker
• Swelling, inflammation, and pain at the site
• Formation of blood clots
• Nerve injuries
• Accumulation of blood between chest wall and lungs
• Falling (collapsing) of the lungs

Treatment at Medica

Each year, our team of renowned cardiologists and surgeons diagnose and treat over hundreds of adults and children. We are also giving our best to provide treatment for highly complicated cases.

Medica’s Cardiology Department routinely performs complex cardiac procedures not only like Permanent Pacemaker Implantation, but our surgeons are also skilled in performing other types of complex heart surgeries such as:

• Mitral-Valvuloplasty
• Cardiac Resynchronisation Procedures
• AICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) Implantation

Our experts also provide medical procedures for congenital ailments such as Coarctation of Aorta, Stenting and PDA Closure.