Pacemaker Insertion
Pacemaker insertion is a well-established procedure that can
significantly improve quality of life for patients with specific heart
rhythm disorders. The decision to implant a pacemaker should be
made carefully, considering individual patient factors and following established guidelines.
involves making a small incision near the collarbone, threading wires (leads) into the heart via a vein, and placing the pacemaker generator (pulse generator) under the skin.
Who Needs?
- Symptomatic sinus bradycardia, including frequent sinus pauses
- Symptomatic chronotropic incompetence
- Symptomatic second or third-degree AV block
- Congenital complete AV block with specific conditions
- Neuromuscular diseases with symptomatic bradycardia
- Kearns-Sayre syndrome with any degree of AV block
- Some patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 or lamin A/C gene mutations
Procedure details:
- Performed by a cardiac electrophysiologist or cardiac surgeon
- Usually done under local anesthesia with sedation
- Small incision made below the collarbone
- Leads are threaded through veins into the heart
- Pacemaker generator is placed in a pocket under the skin
- Procedure typically takes 1-2 hours
Equipment used:
- Pacemaker pulse generator and leads
- Fluoroscopy equipment for real-time imaging
- Sterile surgical instruments and supplies
- Cardiac monitoring equipment
- Temporary pacemaker (if needed)
Benefits:
- Eliminates symptoms of bradycardia
- Improves energy levels and reduces shortness of breath
- Restores normal heart rates and proper blood circulation
Long-term considerations:
- Battery typically lasts 5-7 years, requiring eventual replacement
- Some lifestyle adjustments (avoiding strong electromagnetic fields)
- Regular follow-up appointments for device monitoring
Recovery and follow-up:
- Hospital stay of 24-48 hours, sometimes same-day discharge
- Complete healing takes up to 6 weeks
- Restrictions on arm movement and heavy lifting for several weeks
- Regular follow-up appointments for device checks
Risks and complications:
- Infection at the surgical site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Lead dislodgement or malfunction
- Device malfunction
- Inappropriate pacing
FAQ
A pacemaker is a small medical device implanted in the chest to help regulate slow or irregular heartbeats. It sends gentle electrical signals to keep your heart beating at a healthy rate.
Doctors may recommend a pacemaker if you have bradycardia (slow heartbeat), heart block, or symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or fatigue due to abnormal heart rhythms.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. A small incision is made near the collarbone, and the pacemaker leads (wires) are guided into the heart through a vein. The device is placed under the skin and connected to the leads.
The procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated. Most people feel little pain due to anesthesia. You might feel mild discomfort or soreness at the incision site afterward, but serious complications are rare.
The entire procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring and go home the next day.
Most people can return to light daily activities within a few days. Full recovery usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks, during which you should avoid lifting heavy objects or raising the arm on the side of the implant.
No. You won’t feel the pacemaker sending signals to your heart. Once healed, the device is barely noticeable under the skin, and most people forget it’s even there.
Most pacemakers last 7 to 10 years, depending on how often they’re used. When the battery runs low, your doctor will schedule a simple replacement procedure.
Yes! After recovery, you can enjoy most normal activities, including walking, traveling, and light exercise. Your doctor will provide guidance on activity limits and regular checkups.
Yes, but only a few. Avoid strong magnetic fields, prolonged contact with metal detectors, and certain medical equipment like MRI (unless MRI-compatible). Always inform healthcare providers and airport staff that you have a pacemaker.
What PATIENTS SAYS !!
Vishal Saxena
Heart Patient
I am grateful to Dr Gautam Swaroop for the medical treatment provided to me during my stay at Sahara hospital,when we lost all hopes ...We believe our prayers was answered by competent,composed and caring Dr Gautam swaroop...
Ram Dev Maurya
Heart Patient
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Bechan prasad mishra
Heart Patient
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Ranjan Kumar singh
Heart Patient
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