Importance Of Pacemaker Implantation

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Pacemaker Implantation, Adult

Pacemaker implantation is a procedure to place a pacemaker inside your chest. A pacemaker is a small computer that sends electrical signals to the heart and helps your heart beat normally. A pacemaker also stores information about your heart rhythms. You may need pacemaker implantation if you:
• Have a slow heartbeat (bradycardia).
• Faint (syncope).
The pacemaker attaches to your heart through a wire, called a lead. Sometimes just one lead is needed. Other times, there will be two leads. There are two types of pacemakers:
• Transvenous pacemaker. This type is placed under the skin or muscle of your chest. The lead goes through a vein in the chest area to reach the inside of the heart.
• Epicardial pacemaker. This type is placed under the skin or muscle of your chest or belly. The lead goes through your chest to the outside of the
• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.
• Ask your health care provider how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.

PROCEDURE
• To reduce your risk of infection:
○ Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
○ Your skin will be washed with soap.
○ Hair may be removed from the surgical area.
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
• You will be given one or more of the following:
○ A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
○ A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
○ A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
• If you are getting a transvenous pacemaker:
○ An incision will be made in your upper chest.
○ A pocket will be made for the pacemaker. It may be placed under the skin or between layers of muscle.
○ The lead will be inserted into a blood vessel that returns to the heart.
○ While X-rays are taken by an imaging machine (fluoroscopy), the lead will be advanced through the vein to the inside of your