Implantation of a pacemaker
Implantation of a pacemaker is carried out in case of severe heart failure (arrhythmia) and allows for adjusting the heart rhythm, improving the quality of life, and avoiding life-threatening arrhythmias. A pacemaker is a small device that consists of a battery, an electronic circuit, and electrodes. The device is able to generate electrical impulses to ensure heart contractions in case the heart fails to maintain its natural rhythm of work on its own. A pacemaker works like a small computer monitoring the electrical activity of one’s heart and stimulating it to beat faster only when necessary. The pacemaker is implanted subcutaneously under the collarbone. It does not cause discomfort in your everyday life, but it will allow you to quickly restore the work of your heart when the heart is “tired” of generating impulses.
Your heart needs help if
- you have a feeling of interruptions in the work of the heart (arrhythmia),
- it seems to you that the heart missed a beat or there was a long pause between beats,
- your heart beats too slowly or too fast,
- there are sudden losses of consciousness.
In some cases, the installation of a pacemaker can solve these problems. A cardiologist (arrhythmologist) can determine the need for a pacemaker and the type of the device needed having comprehensively examined the patient and having performed Holter ECG monitoring (continuous recording of your ECG during, usually, 24 hours using a compact portable device – a Holter monitor).
How is a pacemaker installed?
Implantation of a pacemaker is performed under local anesthesia in conditions of maximum sterility in a specially equipped operating room. A small incision (up to 7 cm) is made under the collarbone (usually the left one), followed by the insertion of thin electrodes into the subclavian vein. Under the guidance of X-rays, thin electrodes reach the heart and are attached to the heart muscle. These electrodes are then attached to a pacemaker, which is sewn under the skin in the subclavian area. During the operation, the ECG and monitoring of the pacemaker are constantly performed. The average duration of the procedure is 60 minutes. However, each heart is unique and time may vary in each specific case.
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Часті питання
- You can wear whatever you want when going to the hospital. During the procedure, you
- will be dressed in a hospital gown.
- Leave your valuables at home.
- One day before the arranged date, your doctor or nurse will tell you what you can and сan eat or drink before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor what medications you should take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your doctor and/or nurses if you are allergic to anything.
- injected during the procedure.
- The procedure is performed in the X-ray operating room. This room is cool and dimly lit.
- You will lie on a special table above which you will see a large camera and several
- monitors.
- When the contrast medium is injected, you may feel heat or notice redness for a few
- seconds. This is normal – these sensations will quickly disappear.
- Catheters and an introducer are removed from the blood vessel. The doctor will press
- the puncture site with a finger and apply a compression bandage.
- The nurse will check your bandage regularly to prevent bleeding.
- After a puncture in the leg, you need to lie in bed for several hours.
- The puncture site may be sensitive.
- You will need to drink plenty of fluid to clear the contrast material from your body.
