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Pacemaker Generator Change


About this topic


A pacemaker helps your heart to beat properly. It is placed under the skin of your chest, under your collarbone. Leads or wires are attached to the pacemaker. The leads will be hooked up to your heart to help your heart beat more regularly. Pacemakers work in many ways. Your doctor will decide which settings your pacemaker will need. Some send an electric pulse for each heartbeat. Others only send an electric pulse if the heart rate is too high or too low. There are also tools called defibrillators that can give an electric shock to your heart. These can help avoid serious heart problems. A pacemaker is made up of two parts: ‚  
  • Pulse generator ¢ ˆ ’ Houses the battery and a small computer that records the heartbeat
  • Lead wires ¢ ˆ ’ Send the electric pulses from the generator to the heart

During the pacemaker check, the doctor makes sure that the battery is still working or if it needs to be changed. A battery most often lasts for 5 to 8 years. This depends on how often the pacemaker is used. ‚  

Why is this procedure done?


If the battery needs to be replaced, the generator will also need to be replaced. This ensures that your pacemaker will keep working the right way. ‚  


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What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
    • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
    • Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
    • If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
  • Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
    • Lab tests
    • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
    • Echocardiogram
  • You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?


  • Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to help you relax. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You may be awake during the procedure.
  • You may be placed on a different pacemaker to keep your heartbeat normal during the surgery.
  • The doctor will make a small cut close to your pacemaker. The generator is unhooked from the lead wires. A new generator is then hooked to these existing wires.
  • If you need to have new lead wires, the procedure is like the one you had to put in your pacemaker.
  • Your doctor will close the cut site with stitches, staples, or special glue and put on a clean bandage.
  • The doctor will check your pacemaker to make sure it is working properly.
  • The procedure may take about an hour.

What happens after the procedure?


You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor will tell you when you may go home. You may have to stay in the hospital overnight. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Fight an infection

What problems could happen?


  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • A collapsed lung
  • Bruising
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Device does not work the right way

Where can I learn more?


American Heart Association ‚  
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/PreventionTreatmentofArrhythmia/Living-With-Your-Pacemaker_UCM_305290_Article.jsp ‚  
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚  
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pace/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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