What to Do When A Pacemaker Fails?

Pacemakers are designed and implanted to keep the heartbeat steady. However, these devices generally last only five to 10 years, and then a new one must be surgically inserted into the patient. Pacemaker failure is a concern for the people whose hearts depend on them. So what should a patient do if his pacemaker begins to make his heart beat too slowly, too quickly or irregularly? Although medical treatment options are few, plenty of things can be done when a pacemaker fails to work properly.

External Treatment Options

• A failed pacemaker might require a number of "external" treatment options until it can be replaced. Pacing pads might be applied "transcutaneously" (directly to unbroken skin, not underneath it) to regulate heart rate for a while without a surgical procedure. External pacing allows a medical professional to set the desired heart pace and to regulate the heart externally, usually after inserting an intravenous tube and administering oxygen. Other options, such as a pulse generator, might also be pursued for a short period until the pacemaker can be replaced.

Medicinal Options

• When pacemakers malfunction, abnormalities in electrolytes and metabolism can be the issue. These might be dealt with using various types of medication or changes in diet, as a malfunctioning pacemaker does not necessarily indicate faulty leads or a dying battery. Cases of hypotension often call for IV administration of fluids. Such care is provided by a doctor or a nurse after careful assessment. Doctors also might choose to alter the medication regimen. If you or a loved one has pacemaker problems, this might mean withholding medicine altogether until a solution is reached.

Surgical Options

• Perhaps the most common treatment is surgical attention to the pacemaker. Such care can be primarily exploratory, or it might focus on repair or replacement. Repairs can be as simple as venting an air pocket or tightening screws, or they could involve a complete extraction of electronic components. Cardiologists, and sometimes cardiovascular surgeons, need to be consulted if surgery is needed.