How is a pacemaker installed?
A pacemaker is a medical device installed in certain diseases of the cardiovascular system. Its main task is to monitor the rhythm of the heart, and in case of violation – instant correction, stimulation.
Modern pacemakers are quite compact devices that are less than a watch in size. At the same time, they contain the elements necessary for tracking contractions, including a computer, a battery, and electrodes. The device is prescribed when the action of conventional medicines is not enough to eliminate heart rhythm disturbances.
Diseases for which a pacemaker may be prescribed:
- Severe cases of heart failure;
- Bradycardia – when the number of heart contractions is significantly less than normal;
- Cardiomyopathy is a kind of ailment that structurally affects the contractions of the heart;
- Violation of coordination between the atria and ventricles, their uncoordinated contraction.
Types of pacemakers
Pacemakers differ in the number of chambers. So, the most functional devices are able to stimulate three zones at once: the left and right ventricles, as well as the right atrium. But they are prescribed for the most serious forms of heart failure, when less functional devices are not enough. For example, three-chamber pacemakers are needed in case of dyssynchrony – uncoordinated contractions of the heart chambers.
The specific type of pacemaker is prescribed in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. He conducts a thorough examination of the patient, using specialized medical devices: ECG, ultrasound, CT. The data obtained will help to choose the best device for stimulating heart contractions, based on specific disorders that exist in the human cardiovascular system.
How is a pacemaker installed?
Pacemaker implantation is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure in which surgical intervention is minimal. For its implementation, local anesthesia is prescribed, deep anesthesia is not used. One or more electrodes of the device are inserted into a vein on the shoulder or at the base of the neck, and the wire itself is fixed with a stitch on the shoulder. Then the wire is connected to a pacemaker placed in the free space between the skin and the pectoral muscle.
In order for the pacemaker to be properly placed in the heart, its location is carefully checked using x-rays and cardiac monitors. After that, the parameters of the device are adjusted, depending on what kind of stimulation of heart contractions is needed.
What is done after the procedure?
The use of a pacemaker is associated with some limitations in a person’s daily life. So, you can not lift objects heavier than 5 kg, strong loads are not recommended, like carrying loads.
It is recommended to visit the doctor quarterly, if not more often. In case of a violation of well-being – a visit to the doctor is necessary immediately.
You can go in for sports only after a month after the installation of the device, while avoiding any sport in which a blow to the chest or abdomen can be struck. It is forbidden to shoot a gun. It is very important to shield the part of the body with the pacemaker from exposure to the rays. It is recommended to avoid power lines, as well as devices that have strong interference. During a conversation on a mobile phone, place it at a distance of more than 30 cm from the device.
When passing through airport control with a device installed, you must show the card of the owner of the pacemaker.
It is worth remembering that a pacemaker only helps to maintain a normal heart rhythm. It does not cure the existing disease, so you should continue the treatment of heart disease, strictly adhering to the doctor’s recommendations.