Artificial Pacemaker Dangers

Artificial pacemakers are implantable devices placed beneath the skin or outside the body via catheter to correct abnormal heart rhythms. For monitoring purposes, patients must often stay overnight after surgery. Artificial pacemaker surgery carries many potential risks such as infection, blood clots and bleeding. However, despite these risks, the chance of someone developing surgical complications is low.

Infection

• Antibiotics taken after articial pacemaker surgery prevents infection.

  The surgical incision where an artificial pacemaker is implanted may become infected, taking on a red appearance. However, taking antibiotics after the procedure may prevent the infection.

Blood Clot

• Blood clots may occur during artificial pacemaker surgery.

  Clotting usually occurs during heart catherization, a procedure which links wires between the pacemaker and heart. The catheter tube may scrape blood clots off the arteries' edges when inserted. Anticoagulants are required to thin the blood, preventing cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Bleeding

• Excessive bleeding is a surgical risk for artificial pacemaker surgery.

  Bleeding develops after artificial pacemaker surgery for several reasons. People taking anticoagulants or blood thinners may bleed at the incision site. Many doctors suggest refraining from these medications before surgery. Excessive bleeding also occurs through a puncture wound from heart catherization. Patients must be given a blood transfusion as this condition is considered life-threatening.