PACEMAKERS
A pacemaker is a device which is implanted in the chest and uses electrical impulses, delivered by
electrodes in contact with the heart muscles.
Pacemakers are used for people with slow heartbeats and who may have experienced blackouts. It
is a procedure that involves a general anaesthetic and at least an overnight stay in hospital.
Preparing for the Procedure – What do you need to do?
At least eight hours of fasting is required prior to the procedure. Medications must be taken as
directed by your physician, although blood thinners such as warfarin may be withheld.
Pacemaker Procedure – What happens?
Pacemakers are installed in hospital in an operating theatre. Dr Flood will refer you to a
Cardiologist who specialises in pacemakers for this procedure, however, Dr Flood will
provide follow up after you are discharged from the hospital.
Once you are fully sedated under the care of an anaesthetist, a small incision is made
under your collarbone in your chest. One or two wires are passed down a vein to the heart
using x-ray to guide them. A small pacemaker box is then attached to the wires and placed
under the skin and the skin is closed with sutures. The pacemaker remains there
permanently.
Some specialized pacemakers may also function as a defribillator, shocking the heart when
it lapses into a serious abnormal rhythm.
After the Procedure
You will usually be allowed home the next day after the pacemaker is checked and an x-ray
is done to confirm the position. You will expect some bruising over the site of the
pacemaker. You will be restricted in activities that involve movement in your arms until the
pacemaker site is healed. You will not be allowed to drive for a few days after the
procedure.
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Possible Complications And Risk
No invasive procedure occurs without a certain amount of potential risk and complication.
Dr Flood and the hospital staff follow your recovery closely so that if any complications
arise, corrective action can be taken immediately. Although the incidence is low, you
should be aware that the following complications may rarely occur:
• Bleeding
• Need for corrective surgery
• Replacement of a malfunctioning device or lead
Follow-up Care
The pacemaker is usually checked again in the rooms one to two weeks after the
implantation of the device. Regular checks are recommended. Pacemakers’ life spans are
variable depending on the frequency of use. Regular pacemaker checks ensure that there is
plenty of warning should the device need replacing.
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