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Pacemaker Insertion


Why is this procedure done?


A pacemaker helps your heart to beat properly. A pacemaker is used when the heart does not beat normally. This is called an arrhythmia. Your heart may be beating too fast or too slow. Also, your heart may beat with an irregular rhythm. Any of these arrhythmias can affect your health if not treated right away. ‚  
The pacemaker 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 control your heartbeat. 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 devices called defibrillators that can give an electric shock to your heart. These devices 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


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What will the results be?


With a pacemaker you may have a normal heartbeat. Your heart might function better and your quality of life may improve. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the 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. Do not stop these drugs until after you checked with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about them.
  • If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.

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 make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
  • Your doctor will make a small cut near your collarbone. The lead wires will be connected to the heart muscle. The pacemaker will be securely placed beneath the skin in your chest.
  • Your doctor will check to make sure your pacemaker is working properly.
  • Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples. Your cut will be covered with clean bandages.
  • The pacemaker will be programmed during the procedure to fit your hearts needs.
  • This procedure may take about 2 hours.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
  • You will need to keep your arm in a sling for a few days.
  • Do not move your arm above your chest. This could dislodge the device and wires.
  • You may feel pain where the pacemaker was put in. You will be given drugs to ease the pain.
  • This procedure may be done as an outpatient or in a hospital. You may need to stay overnight to make sure the device is working properly. Other times, you are able to go home later the same day. If you have other medical problems, you may need to stay longer.
  • You will need to learn about your pacemaker. Be sure you:
    • Wear a medical ID or bracelet that lets others know that you have a pacemaker.
    • Learn what tool or gadgets may bother your device. These are things with strong magnetic fields such as cell phones, MP3 players, metal detectors, industrial wires, and MRI machines. Ask your doctor for a full list.
    • Know what to expect now that you have a pacemaker and when to call your doctor.
    • Know about the pacemaker. This includes knowing the manufacturer, serial number, and date the implant was put in. You will be given an ID card that contains this information. Be sure to keep this card in a safe place. The battery life of the pacemaker is 6 to 8 years.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to prevent infection. Your doctor will tell you about the drugs you will need to take. Be sure to ask about them. Take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • A collapsed lung
  • A reaction to the drugs used during the procedure
  • Device may not work properly

Where can I learn more?


American Heart Association ‚  
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300451.pdf ‚  
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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