|
|
|
Permanent Pacemaker Implantation If the heart rate is too slow, a pacemaker may be necessary to electrically stimulate the heart. Placement of a permanent pacemaker requires an overnight hospital stay. This is done under local anesthetic. A small incision is made in the shoulder area (usually on the left side in right-handed patients), below the clavicle. A pocket is formed under the skin and one or two tiny wires ("leads") are advanced through a vein into the right heart chambers. These leads are connected to the pacemaker battery and are sutured in place. The pacemaker will only pace the heart when the heart rate is below the pacer set rate. The battery lasts 3 to 12 years with an average of 5-7
years and is checked regularly by our technologists. Replacement of the pulse generator (which contains the battery and electronics) is easy, requiring only a few hours in the hospital.
|
||||||
