” Pacemaker”
Advanced technology to promote heart health and quality of life
What is a pacemaker (cardiac battery)
Pacemakers are devices that can be placed in your body, usually by surgery, to support the electrical system in your heart. It can stabilize abnormal heart rhythms and prevent problems that can disrupt or endanger your life.
Your heart has its own electrical system, which tells the chambers of your heart when it’s turn to press.
When the electrical system of your heart malfunctions, the chambers of your heart may compress in the wrong order or press too weakly to provide enough blood to your body.
Pacemakers use electrical impulses to correct these types of problems.
Situations where you need a pacemaker (cardiac battery)
Conditions that can be treated with a pacemaker include:
- Some cases of arrhythmia (malfunction of the normal heartbeat process).
- Disturbances in the electrical system of your heart (e.g. heart block).
- Heart failure.
- History of a heart attack.
Symptoms that indicate that you need a pacemaker (heart battery)
Some of the symptoms that you should tell the specialist about include:
- Chest pain (also known as angina pectoris).
- Tachycardia: means that the heartbeat becomes unusually fast (more than 100 beats per minute).
- Bradycardia : the heartbeat becomes unusually slow (less than 60 beats per minute).
- Heart palpitations: this happens when you feel your heart beating in an unpleasant way (you may feel that your heart is “thumping” or beating in your chest).
- Shortness of breath, especially when you are more active.
- Unexplained dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or fainting.
- Unexplained confusion.
- Swelling of the ankles, legs, abdomen.
- The need to urinate several times a night.
The different types of pacemakers
Depending on the heart problem, a certain type of pacemaker can be used – anywhere from one to three wires (called leads). Types of pacemakers include:
- Lead-free pacemaker: A small pacemaker is inserted using a catheter procedure. This device is connected to the inner wall of your heart, which means that it does not need to use any wires.
- Single-chamber pacemaker: it uses one wire connected to one chamber of the heart.
- Double-chamber pacemaker: uses two wires connected to two chambers of the heart.
- Two-ventricular pacemaker: it uses three wires, two of which are connected to the lower chambers (called ventricles) of the heart, and a third is connected to the right upper chamber (right atrium). This is also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
A doctor may recommend a similar device called an implantable pacemaker (ICD).
Although it is not a pacemaker, it is often used with related heart diseases such as ventricular heart acceleration and ventricular fibrillation.
Pacemaker installation process (cardiac battery)
Before the Operation
Before the procedure for installing a cardiac battery device, the patient will need to undergo some medical examinations, such as:
- ECG: the ECG records the electrical activity of the heart.
- Echocardiogram: an echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create an image of the heart.
- Blood tests: blood tests are used to assess a patient’s overall health.
- The patient will also need to stop taking certain medications, such as anticoagulants, before the operation.
Before the Operation
The procedure for installing a cardiac battery device is carried out under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes one to two hours. They are as follows:
- A small incision is made in the chest, usually under the collarbone.
- An electrode is inserted through the incision into the heart.
- The cardiac battery device is inserted into a small plastic bag and placed under the skin.
- The electrode is connected to the heart battery device.
- The incision is closed with stitches.
After the operation
- After the operation to install the cardiac battery device, the patient will remain in the hospital for a day or two.
- The patient will need to take painkillers after the operation.
The patient will also need to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. The instruction includes the following:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects for two to three weeks.
- Avoid swimming for two to three weeks.
In general, the procedure for installing a cardiac battery device is a safe and effective procedure.
It can help patients improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of sudden death.
Practical techniques of installing a pacemaker (cardiac battery)
Depending on the type of pacemaker used, you will undergo a catheter, vein-based or surgical approach. Advances in surgical knowledge mean that these procedures have been improved and the goal is to help you feel less pain, recover faster and return to your normal life urgently.
- Catheterization: this method is used with pacemakers that only treat conditions involving one chamber of your heart.
A specialist inserts a catheter (a tube-like device) into an artery (usually near the groin) and places it in your heart. Once inside, it is connected to the wall of your heart. - Through a vein: this method is used more frequently in adults. During this procedure, the specialist makes a small incision to access a vein near your heart.
Usually this is a vein that runs under your collarbone, to your arm, or to your neck. Using fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray), the specialist attaches a lead (wire) through a vein and attaches it to a point on your heart.
The lead will then be connected to the pacemaker itself, which is placed in a small pocket under the skin on top of your chest. - Epicardial surgery: the surgeon makes a small incision in your chest and inserts the lead through this incision, then connects the lead to your heart.
The surgeon then connects the lead to a pacemaker. The pacemaker is inserted into a pocket under the skin of your abdomen.
Catheter-based procedures take about an hour or less. Surgery-based methods take between two and five hours.
Features of the pacemaker (heart battery)
Pacemakers are aimed at improving the quality of your life and preventing disorders caused by heart problems. Its advantages include the following:
- Relieve many of the symptoms caused by heart rhythm problems, including chest pain, confusion, palpitations, nausea, confusion, and more.
- Prevent unpleasant symptoms such as fainting caused by cardiac arrhythmias.
- Save your life by preventing your heart from stopping.
Possible complications of having a pacemaker
Procedures for the installation of a pacemaker tend to have few complications, as the following complications can occur:
- Allergic reactions: These may occur due to a particular drug or you may be allergic to one of the substances used in the pacemaker itself.
- Blood clots: The doctor may prescribe blood flow drugs to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot.
- Defibrillator failure or strings: In some cases, the defibrillator’s lead may be taken out of position or may break free.
The doctor will recommend limiting your activity for a while after the procedure to avoid it. - Unexpected heart rhythm problems: Some people develop heart rhythm problems – in rare cases – due to a pacemaker.
