How to Remove a Pacemaker

If your heart has started to beat slower, faster or irregularly, you may need a pacemaker. Connected to the heart muscle via lead lines, a small electronic device sends a generated pulse to keep your heart pumping in a regular fashion. But pacemakers are not fail proof. You can dislodge it, develop an infection, the mechanical leads can failure or the pacemaker itself can malfunction. In any of these situations you will need to have the pacemaker or the lead lines removed. Unless you no longer need a pacemaker, the surgeon will install another pacemaker or new lead lines promptly. Please see your doctor or a certified cardiologist so they can refer a qualified cardiac surgeon.

Instructions

• 1

  See the recommended cardiac surgeon. Discuss your options and make sure you feel comfortable with the surgeon's manner and approach.

• 2

  Get opinions from two different cardiac surgeons on how your pacemaker should be removed, how much it will cost, the risks and benefits. Talk to both about how many procedures like yours they have successfully performed.

• 3

  Educate yourself on the dangers, recovery time, and likely outcome of your surgery.

• 4

  Schedule your surgery.

• 5

  Prepare yourself for surgery by following specific guidelines on eating, drinking, taking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

• 6

  Inform friends and family that you have elected to have surgery. Secure a ride to and from the hospital. Arrange for someone to take care of you while you recover.

• 7

  Have a full cardiac evaluation 6-8 weeks after your surgery.