Heart rhythm disorder is
a serious medical condition and could lead to problems ranging from simple
palpitations to sudden death. But the modern Electrophysiology has provided
great solution to the patients suffering from heart rhythm problems. The newer
techniques and developments in Electrophysiology have enhanced the quality of
life in these patients to a great extent. Heart hospitals in India have
now the best electrophysiology teams to offer the best treatment for patients
with heart rhythm disorders.
Implantable pacemaker
What is it?
In this surgical procedure, surgeons implant a device called a pacemaker, which
regulates heart rate and rhythm.
Why is it performed?
It is performed to treat abnormal heart rates or rhythms (arrhythmia),
particularly if they have not responded well to drug therapy (medication).
What is done?
The pacemaker consists of two parts. The leads are wires with electrodes at the
tip that transmit electrical signals to the heart muscle from the pulse
generator. These electrical signals cause the heart muscle to contract (pump).
The pulse generator (often referred to as the pacemaker) is a small unit with a
computer that generates the electrical signal. Most pacemaker implantations are
performed under local anesthesia (similar to the anesthesia used by dentists).
What can you expect?
Usually, the procedure is scheduled ahead of time. A week or so before your
operation, you will probably be asked to visit your hospital. Various tests,
such as blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram, and other tests may be
performed. Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure and
you will be asked to sign a consent form. Before the procedure starts, inform
your doctor if you:
- Have
ever had a reaction to any contrast dye, iodine, or any serious allergic
reaction (for example, from a bee sting or from eating shellfish).
- Have
asthma.
- Are
allergic to any medication.
- Have
any bleeding problems or are taking blood-thinning medication.
- Have
a history of kidney problems or diabetes.
- Have
body piercings on your chest or abdomen.
- Have
had any recent change in your health.
- Are,
or may be, pregnant.
What happens during the procedure?
Endocardial lead positioning
This is the most common procedure for implanting a pacemaker. You will be awake
throughout the procedure. You will be given a sedative to help you relax and
local anesthetics in areas that are involved in the procedure (usually the
upper chest area). A thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted into a
blood vessel and, using a fluoroscope (similar to an X-ray picture to visualize
the catheter), threaded into the heart. Once in the heart, the leads will be
attached to the inside lining. The leads will be tested to ensure they are
working correctly. From time to time, you may be asked to take deep breaths or
cough vigorously in order to test the placement of the leads.
Once the leads are in the best locations, they will be plugged into the
pulse generator. The pulse generator will be slipped into a small pocket made
just beneath the skin of your upper chest or your abdomen. You may feel slight
pressure while the leads and pulse generator are being inserted into the pocket.
Epicardial lead positioning
Because a larger incision is made in the chest, this procedure is usually
performed under a general anesthesia and you will be asleep. The exterior
surface of the heart is exposed and the leads attached directly to the surface
(epicardium) of the heart. The pulse generator is usually placed under the skin
in the upper abdomen, but may also be placed in the upper chest area.
After the procedure
Once surgery is completed, you will be taken to a recovery room. There may be some
soreness around the site where the pulse generator was implanted, but it can be
managed with pain medication. Depending upon your condition and which procedure
you had, you may stay in the hospital anywhere from several hours to a few
days.
When you return home, keep an eye on your incisions. Some bruising is
normal but contact your doctor if you experience increased pain, redness,
swelling, bleeding or other draining from an incision, fever, or chills. Most
people are aware of their pacemaker for a short time following its
implantation, but this sensation usually decreases with time.
Following implantation of a pacemaker, it is OK to take a shower, bathe
or engage in usual sexual activity. During the initial eight weeks, avoid
sudden, jerky movements with your arms, stretching or reaching over your head
or touching the pacemaker. After this time, just avoid putting pressure on the
chest area over the implant.
Monitoring your pulse
It is important to always carry your pacemaker ID card. You should also be
aware of your pacemaker’s maximum and minimum programmed heart rates. Monitor
your pulse regularly and report the readings to your healthcare provider at
your pacemaker checkup. With the help of a special analyzer your doctor can
detect if the batteries are about to run down.
Devices that may interfere with your pacemaker
General
household and office appliances or equipment will not interfere with your
pacemaker. This includes microwave ovens, televisions, radios, stereos, vacuum
cleaners, electric blankets, hair dryers, shavers, gardening machinery,
toasters, food processors, computers and copy machines.
Devices that may pose some risk to pacemaker function are anti-theft
systems (also called EAS systems) at shopping malls, metal detectors for
security and cell phones. Move through anti-theft systems or metal detectors at
a regular pace without any delays. At airports, you can ask for a hand search
to avoid the use of hand held metal detectors. It is advisable to hold your
cell phone to the opposite ear, farther from the pacemaker implant. Do not keep
a turned on cell phone in the shirt pocket.
MP3 player headphones, including the ear bud style, use a magnetic
substance and therefore cause interference in pacemaker function. These
headphones should be kept at least 1.2 inches away from the pacemaker and
should not be placed in the breast pocket or worn by someone resting their head
on your chest.
Certain medical procedures can interfere with your pacemaker`s
function. These include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and extracorporeal
shock-wave lithotripsy, a non-invasive treatment procedure for kidney stones.
When MRI must be done, some pacemaker models can be reprogrammed. Dental
drilling also has a tendency to increase the pacing rate. It is advisable to let
a healthcare provider know about your pacemaker before testing with any medical
devices. In addition, radiofrequency ablation procedure for arrhythmias,
short-wave/microwave diathermy physical therapy, and therapeutic radiation for
cancer and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain may all
interfere with pulse generation.
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