A
Pacemaker is a medical device
that delivers electricity to the heart via small electrodes, triggering the heart to beat.
BCS Heart offers pacemaker implantation
to those patients who will benefit.
A normal human heart contains an intrinsic pacemaker, termed the sinoatrial (SA) node. This group of cells within
the heart generate an electrical impulse usually 60 to 100 times per minute that stimulates the heart muscle to contract.
In certain illnesses, or with age, these cells may become diseased or unable to perform their duty on a consistent basis.
This results in bradycardia (or slow heart beats) which can be treated with the placement of an artifical pacemaker (see
image on the right).
For more detailed information about the procedure, continue
reading below.
Following patient sedation, usually in an operating room or similar setting, a small incision (approximately 2-3 inches) is
made beneath the collar bone. Electrodes (termed "leads") are then inserted into the subclavian vein and passed inside this
vein to the heart (see image on the right). Electrodes have small screw-like coils on their tips that enable them to be secured into place within
the heart muscle. The electrodes are then attached to the pacemaker generator which is placed underneath the skin. The
skin surface is closed with sutures.
Following implantation, pacemaker function is closely monitored on follow-up visits. The pacemaker can wirelessly
communicate with a device in the office to provide all types of information regarding battery life, heart rhythm analysis,
and frequency of required pacing.
