As we all know, the heart is a very delicate organ of our body and needs immense care. There can be a lot of complications that might occur both as an adult and as a child, one of which is rhythm-related heart conditions. Here, Pacemaker surgery comes in handy. Pacemaker surgery involves implanting a pacemaker in a patient’s chest through surgery. It is a minimally invasive surgery performed as either inpatient or outpatient surgery.

A Pacemaker is a device used to which is implanted surgically with a human heart to keep the heart healthy and optimally beating. It mimics the heart’s electrical pulse and is used to help people with Brabradycardia (slow-paced heartbeats) or Tachycardia (fast heartbeats). The surgery is performed on adults to treat heart disease while on children born with congenital disease. The doctors suggest implanting the pacemaker using local anaesthesia or IV (Intravenous Sedation).

The surgery is common but might not be suggested for all. For example, bradycardia during sleep is not considered a symptom. Hence, surgery would not be advised.

Also, some potential risks must be considered before a doctor suggests surgery. Below, we have enlisted some risks:

• Phlebitis (Venous inflammation)
• Electrode lead dislodgement
• Post-operative infection
• Cardiac perforation, and many more.

Pre-Procedure Preparations

Once the pacemaker type is decided, you’ll meet the surgeon, who will discuss the further procedure, and potential risks involved.

• The doctor would examine you and might ask about medication or any current ailments.
• If you are on a blood thinner or supplements, you would be asked to stop taking those a week or two before the surgery.
• Also, if you are into alcohol and non-prescribed drugs, you need to stop taking those to avoid any complications.
• You will be asked not to eat/drink a night prior to the surgery to be sure that drinks are not mixing up with anaesthesia.
• Now, before the surgery, you’ll be asked to remove any head or earpiece, jewellery, etc.
• Other preoperative procedures, such as ECG (Echocardiography), will be done.

Just before the surgery, a pulse oximeter will be clamped to your finger to monitor your pulse. Also, an intravenous tube will be inserted into your arm or wrist’s vein to deliver medicines and fluid.

Benefits of the Procedure

Apart from minimally invasive, the following are the benefits of pacemaker surgical procedure:

• Pacemakers are Long Lasting Device
  Once the pacemaker is placed successfully, the worry is over. It can last very long without maintenance. However, in a very rare case, there might be a need for a wiring and battery checkup, which is normal.
• Immediate Relief after Surgery
  People who suffer from bradycardia experience stress which affects their diet and lifestyle. Hence, pacemakers help people suffering from bradycardia get instant relief from the time they wake up in the hospital room after the pacemaker surgery.
• Pacemakers can be Configured in Numerous Ways.
  Pacemakers can be programmed to work in various ways to control different parts of the heart. It can be designed to control the upper chamber or the lower chamber of the heart, or sometimes both. Some pacemakers can stimulate the right & left ventricles of the heart.
• Immediate Treatment
  Pacemakers allow immediate treatment because if you have ventricular Tachycardia, you can go into ventricular fibrillation. This means your ventricles behave abnormally – fast and erratically.

Also, if you have heart disease, a pacemaker will slow it down, and your chances of being hospitalised will be minimised.

Eligibility

The doctors will prescribe the Pacemaker surgery if you are experiencing any of the following:

• If you are suffering from Arrhythmia, a condition when your heart malfunctions. This means it either beats too fast or too slow. Hence, a pacemaker helps by sending proper electrical signals to correct the beat.
• If you have difficulty breathing or cannot catch a breath even while doing small chores. These are signs of a weak heart.
• Sometimes because of some heart disease, your doctor might recommend beta-blockers like digoxin, which slows down your heart. In this case, you might require Pacemaker surgery to maintain your heartbeat without medications.
• If you are experiencing chest pain, which may not be Arrhythmia but a heart attack. Depending on the condition, the doctor might suggest you get a pacemaker.
• If you are an athlete, you might require a pacemaker to maintain your heart health.

Who is Not Eligible?

You are not eligible for pacemaker surgery if you have the following:

• Heart valve or blood disease, or are suffering from an aneurysm.
• Serious disease in other organs.
• Severe physical disability.
• Pre-existing terminal diseases, such as HIV/AIDs, flu, diabetes, etc.
• If you are suffering from Crohn’s disease
• Have active cancer.

Pacemaker surgery is considered the safest surgical procedure, with minimal risk nowadays. With the help of highly experienced heart doctors, top surgeons, and certified medical staff, Metro Group of Hospitals has performed many successful Pacemaker surgeries. The surgery helps people get back on their feet and immediately get involved in their daily lifestyle.