Pacemaker Insertion
by
Editorial Staff and Contributors Definition TOPThis is a procedure to insert an artificial pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device. It helps maintain a normal heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the heart.
Reasons for Procedure TOPA pacemaker can be inserted when:
Possible Complications TOPProblems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review possible problems such as:
Your chances for problems are higher for:
What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureYou may have:
Leading up to your procedure:
AnesthesiaLocal anesthesia is used to numb the area. Description of the Procedure TOPYou will lie flat on a table. A small cut will be made beneath the collarbone. The pacemaker is placed through the cut. The wires (called leads) will be threaded through a vein from the collarbone to the heart. Lastly, the cut will be stitched closed. Immediately After Procedure TOPYour heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored. How Long Will It Take? TOPAbout 2 hours How Much Will It Hurt? TOPThe anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. Medicines will help with pain afterward. Post-procedure Care TOPThe pacemaker will be programmed to fit your pacing needs. Once everything is working properly and you have no problems, you can go home.
A hard ridge may form on the skin along the cut. This usually recedes as the wound heals. Call Your Doctor TOPCall your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org Heart Rhythm Society https://www.hrsonline.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cardiovascular Society http://www.ccs.ca Heart and Stroke Foundation http://www.heartandstroke.ca References:Pacemaker. American Heart Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated December 21, 2016. Accessed July 9, 2018. Pacemaker insertion. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/cardiovascular/pacemaker_insertion_92,p07980. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Pacemakers. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T906162/Pacemakers
. Updated January 11, 2018. Accessed July 9, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 7/9/2018 | |
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