WHAT IS A PACEMAKER AND HOW IS A PACEMAKER INSERTED?
A Pacemaker is a small electrical device, the size of a pocket watch, is inserted under the skin to correct a heartbeat that has become too slow or too fast due to aging, injury, or other reasons. The pacemaker consists of two parts; the pulse generator and the leads. The pulse generator is a small metal container that houses a battery and the electrical circuitry that regulates the rate of electrical pulses sent to your heart. The leads are flexible, insulated wires that deliver electrical pulses to your heart.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED?
Surgery to implant the pacemaker is usually performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than three hours. During surgery, a flexible, insulated wire (lead) is inserted into a major vein under or near your collarbone and guided to your heart with the help of X-ray images. One end of the lead (the electrode) is secured to your heart’s right ventricle while the other end is attached to the pulse generator, which is usually implanted under the skin beneath your collarbone. In most cases another lead is secured to your heart’s right atrium as well to maintain coordinated pumping.

HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE FEEL?
The procedure is carried out in the catheterization laboratory with Dr. Andrea and the laboratory staff. You will be awake and able to follow instructions during the implantation. A mild sedative is usually given 30 minutes before the procedure to help you relax. The physician will make a small incision under your collarbone after numbing the area. Wires (leads) will be run through a major vein under or near your collarbone and will be attached to your heart’s right ventricle. The other end of the lead will then be attached to the pulse generator. The cardiologist will form a small “pocket” under your collarbone designed to hold the device in place. In most cases another lead is secured to your heart’s right atrium. After the surgery you may feel some discomfort and or soreness at the site where the pacemaker is placed. Generally a device called a sling is provided to hold your arm at a 90 degree angle to prevent movement of the arm and disturbance of the incision sight for a day. You may stay in the hospital overnight after having a pacemaker implanted. Risk of an infection at the pacemaker incision sight is 1 in 300 cases and risk of serious complications 1 in 3000 cases. Before you leave, your pacemaker will be programmed to fit your particular pacing needs. You will be asked to return to Dr. Andrea’s office 1 week after the procedure for a pacemaker check and office visit.

WHY IS THE TEST PERFORMED?
Pacemaker insertion is usually performed to correct a group of conditions called arrhythmias, in which the heart’s rhythm is abnormal. A normal heart rate ranges from 50 to 100 beats a minute in adults. One of the most common arrhythmias is known as bradycardia. Bradycardia is a heart rate that is too slow and may be caused from a variety of conditions. If your heart beats too slowly or rapidly, not enough blood is pumped to your internal organs, leading to fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, confusion and other symptoms.