Why is this procedure done?
A pacemaker helps your heart beat the right way. It is used when the heart does not beat normally. This is called an arrhythmia. Your heart may be beating too fast or too slow. Other times, it beats with an irregular rhythm. Any of these can affect your health if not treated right away. A regular pacemaker helps stimulate the right ventricle of the heart to pump blood. A biventricular pacemaker helps both left and right ventricles to work together efficiently. Patients with very bad heart problems often use this tool. ‚
The pacemaker is placed under the skin of your chest. Leads or wires are attached to the pacemaker. They will be placed into the muscular wall of your heart to help control abnormal heartbeats. Pacemakers work in many ways. Some send an electric pulse for each heartbeat. Others only send an electric pulse if the heart rate is too high or too low. 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 ’ Sends 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. This may help your heart function and improve your quality of life. ‚
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.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- 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 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 close your cut with stitches or staples. Then, it will be covered with clean bandages.
- The pacemaker will be programmed during the procedure to fit your hearts needs.
- The procedure takes about 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- Your arm will be in a sling when you wake up.
- 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 problems you may need to stay longer.
- You will need to learn about your pacemaker. Be sure you:
- Understand what to expect now that you have a pacemaker and when to call your doctor.
- Know about the pacemaker. It includes the manufacturer, serial number, and date the implant was put in. The battery life of the pacemaker is 6 to 8 years.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent blood clots
- Fight an infection
- Treat your heart condition
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Device may not work the right way
Where can I learn more?
Heart Rhythm Society ‚
http://www.hrsonline.org/Patient-Resources/Treatment/Pacemaker/Cardiac-Resynchronization-Therapy-CRT#axzz2NjaIRveb ‚
National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease ‚
http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/treatment-and-recovery/featured/crt.html ‚
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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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚