Cardiac Pacemaker
(implanted): |
| On this page: |
What is it -
When is it used - How
does it work - What will it accomplish
- What are the risks - When
should it not be used - Recently
approved pacemakers- Search all pacemakers
- Links |
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| What
is it? |
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered
device that is implanted permanently into the body. The pacemaker
monitors the electrical impulses in the heart and, when needed,
delivers electrical stimuli to make the heart beat (contract)
in a more normal rhythm. |
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When
is
it used? |
A pacemaker is used when the heart
beats too slowly (bradycardia) or has other abnormal rhythms
(arrhythmias). In some cases, pacemakers are also used to treat
the symptoms of heart failure. |
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How
does
it work? |
A pacemaker consists of a battery
and electrical circuitry (pulse generator). The battery powers
the pacemaker. The circuitry checks the heart rate and produces
tiny electrical pulses that keep the heart beating at the
correct pace.
The pacemaker is connected to the heart through one to three
insulated wires (leads) that are attached directly to the
heart's chambers.
Some pacemakers can be customized to meet specific needs.
- Rate-Responsive Pacemakers These
pacemakers may be programmed to increase or decrease heart
rate to match your activities (i.e. resting or walking).
- Single-Chambered Pacemakers These
pacemakers use only one lead placed into the right upper
chamber of the heart (right atrium) or the right lower chamber
(right ventricle).
- Dual-Chambered Pacemakers These
pacemakers have two leads. One is placed in the right atrium,
the other in the right ventricle.
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Pacemakers These pacemakers
have three leads. One is in the right atrium, one is in
the right ventricle, and one is placed through the heart’s
veins to the left ventricle.
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| What
will it accomplish? |
A pacemaker can restore a normal
heart rate so that the heart can pump more effectively. This
can reduce or stop the symptoms of abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias),
such as dizziness, confusion, fainting, or fatigue. |
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What
are
the risks? |
Risks Due to Surgical Procedure
Risks from the surgery to implant the pacemaker include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling or bruising under the skin
- Blood clot formation
- Infection
- Blood vessel damage
Your doctor will tell you about additional
risks from the surgical procedure.
Need For Additional Surgeries To Replace Or Repair Pacemaker
Electromagnetic Interference Some devices in your surroundings
may interfere with your cardiac pacemaker. Currently available
pacemakers are more resistant to this problem than earlier models.
Always carry your wallet I.D. card with you.
- Household devices and appliances may cause
the pacemaker to enter a mode to prevent inappropriate behavior
or cause it to stop delivering therapy until the interference
source is removed.
- Some medical equipment can damage your
pacemaker. If you are visiting your doctor or dentist, tell
him or her that you have a pacemaker BEFORE they do any
testing or treatment.
- Some security devices may temporarily stop
your pacemaker from working properly or give you cardiac
symptoms. A general rule of thumb is “Don’t
lean, don’t linger” when moving through these
devices.
- Welders and electric generators may stop
your pacemaker from working properly.
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When
should
it not be used? |
A pacemaker should not be implanted
in people who cannot tolerate the device or the surgical procedure,
or who are sensitive (allergic) to the exposed parts of the
pacing system.
Some pacemakers are designed to treat only specific conditions
and should not be used to treat other conditions. |
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| Recently
approved pacemakers: |
Find
information about specific pacemakers from FDA's Recently
Approved Devices listings. |
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for all pacemakers: |
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