Pacemaker surgery is the implantation of a small medical device in the chest to manage irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias. Pacemakers can also be used to treat heart failure and fainting spells.
Pacemaker surgery is performed to treat the disrupted rhythm of the heart. The contraction of the heart is a heartbeat and the electrical signals direct the rhythm, Arrhythmia disrupts this electrical signaling causing the heart to beat irregularly.
A pacemaker consists of two parts:
Pulse generator: A pulse generator is a metal container having a battery and electrical circuitry that manages the rate of electrical pulses sent to the heart.
Leads: Insulated wires that deliver electrical pulses to adjust the heart rate are placed in the chambers of the heart.
There are a few special requirements to prepare for a Pacemaker surgery –
Before the procedure, the doctor will ask for the patient’s medical history and take necessary tests. During the surgery, the patient will be given sedatives to help relax during the process. Then the chest area will be cleaned and wires will be inserted into the vein and will be attached to the pulse generator implanted below the collarbone. The entire process will be monitored using X-ray imaging.
Once the pacemaker is implanted, the surgeon will check whether it is functioning properly before closing the incision.