Pacemaker Implantation Guidelines

When the ventricles of the heart malfunction, the delivery of oxygen to vital organs like the brain and muscles is reduced. This is why people with heart disease appear to be extremely drained and physically exhausted. Pacemakers are a common treatment for a malfunctioning heart. They use electronic pulsing technology to correct irregular heartbeats and to ensure the heart beats at a normal rate.

When Pacemakers are Recommended

• There are two main reasons why a pacemaker would be recommended. The first is an irregular, dangerously slow heartbeat (bradycardia). The second is when the heart temporarily stops beating altogether (asystole). When the heartbeat ceases like this, the brain becomes deprived of oxygen, leading to lightheadedness or dizziness and ultimately fainting.

  Regular fainting spells due to lack of oxygen is called syncope, which is usually not a primary diagnosis in itself but often a symptom of a heart condition. Other symptoms associated with syncope include fading vision and ringing or buzzing in the ears, which occur immediately before actually passing out.

Surgery Procedure and Recovery

• Considered minor surgery, pacemaker implantation is an easy procedure usually performed under "twilight anesthesia" in either a heart care facility or a hospital. Twilight anesthesia is a pain-free technique that induces a state of semi-consciousness in the patient. The procedure involves threading an electronic wire device through a vein under the shoulder of the less dominant hand. Guided by a device similar to that used in laparoscopic (very small incision) surgery, the doctor proceeds with the threading until it has reached the heart. After this, the surgeon inserts the pacemaker generator under the skin and connects it to the newly inserted wires that lead to the heart. The entire procedure takes a few hours. Recovery involves a simple overnight stay to monitor the patient and the heart.

Risks and Side Effects

• The most common risks to patients with new pacemakers are infections, side effects of medications, skin sensitivity, soreness, inaccurate therapy and irritation at the site of the pacemaker implant. According to the Medical Center at Ohio State University, only 5 percent of patients have continued complications associated with the device.

  Pacemakers, as electronic entities, also have batteries that will eventually need to be replaced. Other scheduled maintenance is typically required every few months in order to keep the pacemaker functioning properly and to ensure the data in the device is up to date.