Pacemaker Surgery
Pacemaker Surgery
Pacemaker surgery involves implanting a pacemaker under the skin and connecting it to the heart.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device called which helps regulate abnormal heart rhythms, particularly when the heart beats too slowly or irregularly.
Pacemaker surgery is most commonly performed to address arrhythmias, specifically slow heart rhythms or heart blocks where the heart’s natural electrical system fails to maintain an appropriate rate. Without treatment, these irregular rhythms can cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or more severe complications like heart failure.
The pacemaker contains a battery and electronic circuits that generate electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat if needed. The pacemaker is connected to the heart using one or more thin wires called leads. The leads are passed through a vein and into the heart, where they are positioned in a specific location to sense the heart’s electrical signals and deliver a small electrical impulse to stimulate the heart to beat if needed. The pacemaker can also be programmed to deliver electrical impulses at a specific rate or in response to changes in the heart’s electrical activity. It is a safe and effective procedure and can help significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.
A pacemaker may be recommended for you if you have the below conditions:
- Bradycardia: If your heart beats too slowly (bradycardia), a pacemaker can be used to help maintain a normal heart rate.
- Heart Block: If the electrical signals in your heart are not conducted properly and there is a blockage of the electrical impulses, a pacemaker can be used to help regulate your heart’s rhythm.
- Heart Failure:In some cases, a pacemaker can be used to coordinate the electrical signals between the chambers of your heart to improve your heart’s function and reduce symptoms of heart failure.
- Certain Medications: Some medications used to treat heart conditions can cause a slow heart rate, which may require a pacemaker.
Preparing for your visit
The procedure will take place at a cardiac operating room at the hospital. You will be given a check in time and have consultation with the surgical team before the procedure.
Pacemaker surgery procedure is typically completed within one to two hours however we recommend speaking to your specialist about hospital preparation and recovery time.
- Patients are typically instructed to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the surgery.
- The patient will be placed under local anaesthesia, to numb the area where the pacemaker will be implanted.
- The surgeon will make an incision and insert one or more leads into a vein to guide them to the heart.
- The leads are positioned in specific locations within the heart to sense its electrical signals and deliver impulses as needed
- The pacemaker is then connected to the leads and is usually placed in a small pocket just under the skin where the incision is.
- Once everything is in place, the surgeon will test the pacemaker to ensure it is functioning properly.
- Then the surgeon will close the incision and the patient is taken for recovery.
Pacemaker surgery is usually completed under local anaesthesia to numb the area where the device is implanted. You may also receive mild sedation to help you relax.
