Pacemaker Implantation

PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION : A Pacemaker is a medical device which uses electrical impulses, delivered by electrodes contacting the heart muscles, to regulate the beating of the heart. The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's native pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's electrical conduction system.

The Pacemaker is implanted in the body, usually below the collarbone, where it monitors the heart rhythm and triggers an electrical impulse if the heart is beating too slowly.

A pacemaker is composed of a small titanium encased pulse generator that contains a lithium battery and electrical circuitry attached to one, two, or three leads (wires) that are inserted into the heart.

Pacemaker Implantation procedure takes about one to three hours. A one to two-inch incision is made beneath the collarbone and a small "pocket" is created for the pulse generator under the skin. The leads are inserted into the heart through a large vein that runs under the collarbone. Once the leads are positioned in the heart, they are attached to the pulse generator.

Pacemaker pulse generators are checked two to three times a year and must be replaced every five to ten years.