How to Learn About Temporary Pacemakers

Dr. John Hopps invented the pacemaker in 1950. By 1958, the pacemaker was ready to be implanted in a human body. Today, they are widely used to treat arrhythmias. Unlike a traditional pacemaker, which is attached to your heart inside your body, a temporary pacemaker is worn on the outside of your body, and is attached to your heart via a lead that is inserted through a neck vein. It is usually recommended for use in emergency situations until a permanent pacemaker can be inserted, or on a patient who is expected to heal and who needs a pacemaker temporarily. It is easy to learn about temporary pacemakers by using the Internet. There is abundant information to read as well as videos to watch.

Instructions

• 1

  Read a book that goes into detail about permanent and temporary pacemakers; you may buy a book or borrow one from your local library. You'll learn everything from the uses of a temporary pacemaker to how to insert one. "The Nuts and Bolts of Cardiac Pacing" by Tom Kenny is written in a language for the common man. Many nursing books have detailed sections devoted to temporary pacemakers, which include how to read the coding on the device and what complications can occur and how to respond.

• 2

  Watch an educational video. Using Youtube.com, type "temporary pacemaker" in the search box. Click on the video you'd like to see. Before you watch the video, it is a good idea to check the source. It should be posted by a medical professional or medical institution.

• 3

  Research the subject on the Internet. Pull up trusted medical Web sites, such as WebMD.com and the American Heart Association (heart.org.) In their search boxes, type "temporary pacemaker." Click on the published articles related to the subject from the resulting list. Another option is to search individual heart hospital Web sites, such as Oklahoma Heart Hospital's Web site (ocaheart.com).

• 4

  Inquire with a physician or nurse about temporary pacemakers. Ask your doctor or nurse any questions you'd like to have answered. If they cannot help you right away, they will get back to you with the information you requested.