When are Pacemakers Used? - Pacemakers may be Prescribed for a Number of Conditions

Artificial pacemakers are devices that are implanted into the body, just below the collarbone, to take over the job of the heart’s own electrical system and prevent slow heart rates. Although they weigh only an ounce and are the size of a large wristwatch face, a pacemaker contains a computer with memory and electrical circuits, a powerful battery (generator), and special wires called “leads.” The generator creates electrical impulses that are carried by the leads to the heart muscle, signaling it to pump.

Getting a pacemaker does not require open-heart surgery — the procedure usually takes only about two hours. The pacemaker generator is implanted in a small pocket made under the skin. The leads are usually placed in a vein near the collarbone, and then moved to the heart with the help of an X-ray machine. The leads touch the heart muscle on one end, and are connected to the pacemaker generator on the other end. The pacemaker is programmed to send signals to the heart, and settings can be changed at any time. Routine monitoring, some­times even by phone, makes sure the pacemaker is working properly. The battery in the generator lasts 5-10 years and must be replaced when it runs out.

Type of Pacemakers

• Single Chamber Pacemakershave one wire that is placed in the right upper chamber (atrium) or lower chamber (ventricle).
• Dual Chamber Pacemakershave two wires, one in the atrium and one in the ventricle.
• Biventricular Pacemakers have three wires, one in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle and a third in the left ventricle. These more complicated pacemakers take more time to implant, and can be used to improve pumping in patients with heart failure.
• Rate Responsive Pacemakers adjust the heart rate to a patient’s level of activity. They pace faster when a patient is exercising and slower when a patient is resting.

When are Pacemakers Used?

Pacemakers may be prescribed for a number of conditions, including:

• Bradycardia
  A condition in which the heart beats too slowly, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or Fainting spells.

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  A common heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats too fast and chaotically. Sometimes, people with AFib can also have slow rhythms. Medications used to control atrial fibrillation may result in slow rhythms, which are treated by pacemakers.

• Heart failure
  A condition in which the heartbeat is not strong enough to carry a normal amount of blood and oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. A special pacemaker can be programmed to increase the force of heart muscle contractions. This is called “biventricular pacing” or “resynchronization” therapy.

• Syncope
  A condition best known as “fainting,” usually not serious. Some patients faint when their heart rate becomes too slow. A pacemaker prevents slow heart rates and can cure syncope in some patients.
  
  Heart Surgery in India with the Best Heart surgeons in India is what medical tourists coming to India look for and is delivered at best cardiac hospitals in India . No other destination in the world can match the unparalleled clinical excellence, technology infrastructure and cost advantage offered by MedWorld India affiliated heart hospitals in India to deliver 99 percent and above successful outcomes for heart surgery.
  Our aim is to reduce the deadly consequences of cardiovascular diseases through innovative therapies for patient care. Our healthcare professionals at state of the art, heart specialty hospitals have a dedicated team of Cardiac surgeons and cardiologists who work in tandem to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to patients suffering from heart ailments.
  
  MedWorld India Affiliated Best Heart Hospitals in India offer: - The ultimate destination for international patients who want World Best, Affordable Heart Surgery
  • »
  • Latest and best available techniques globally like Robotic Heart Surgery, Minimally Invasive Valve & coronary Heart Bypass Surgery, Primary and complex Coronary Angioplasties and Stenting. Percutaneous Valvular interventions including aortic valve replacement need a special mention.
  • »
  • Many of the world's finest heart hospitals are located in India with 98-99 % success rate for most procedures.
  • »
  • Cost of Surgery just 1/6th of cost in USA, UK or Europe with finest quality implants, prosthesis and consumables imported from Leading International Companies.
  • »
  • The highly trained team of Electrophysiologists have tremendous experience in doing all kind of radiofrequency ablations, device implantations, electrophysiology studies, and pacemaker and resynchronization therapy.
  • »
  • Computer Navigation Surgery System for excellent outcomes and use of finest quality implants, prosthesis and consumables imported from Leading International Companies.
  • »
  • Specialized Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation services for quick rehabilitation after cardiac surgery in India.
  • »
  • India’s leading hospital for children’s heart surgeries performs almost 3 times as many surgeries as Children’s Hospital, Boston, the leading children’s hospital in the USA