Saturday, September 3, 2016

Basic Information Relating To Pacemaker Placement

By Laura Fox


The normal heart generates its own rhythm through specialized tissues found at the sinoatrial (SA) node. Electrical impulses from this region are transmitted to the rest of the heart resulting in contraction and relaxation and hence the filling and emptying of this organ with blood. In some cases, the heart is unable to undergo this cycle effectively creating the need for an artificial device or pacemaker.

The main role of pacing devices in Princeton, NJ is to restore normal rate and rhythm. A number of other benefits can be realized in some patients. Fainting episodes (also known as syncope) are often the result of heart disease. Abnormal heart rate and rhythm may interfere with blood supply to the brain. Normalizing the rate usually helps solve the problem. Other conditions that may be managed using the approach include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

The decision to have the device placed is usually made by a cardiologist. This is done after they evaluate the patient by taking a clinical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for a number of investigations such as the electrocardiogram and the echocardiogram. Once the criteria has been met and one has been considered a suitable candidate the procedure is scheduled. Drugs likely to cause bleeding are to be avoided for a couple of days.

The process of placement is done through a simple operation in which general or local anesthesia is used. The device is typically inserted in area around the left shoulder. Leads are then connected to the heart passing through a large vein. An instrument known as a fluoroscope is used to guide the process. The entire exercise takes about thirty to ninety minutes. You will receive some antibiotics to prevent infections as you leave the operating room.

Although the operation is considered a day case in most centers, you may have to be admitted overnight. This provides an opportunity for the heart rate and rhythm to be monitored. The frequency may have to be adjusted if the rate is either too high or too low. There are a number of complications that may ensue after the operation. They include bleeding, abnormal heart rhythms, infections and more rarely, puncture of the lung or the heart.

You will need to undergo regular medical checkups to establish that indeed the device is working optimally. The frequency of the checkups will vary depending on the condition of the patient. In general, patients have to have the device checked every 6 months. When you go goes for the checkup, a number of parameters are tested. They include the sensing ability, lead integrity and the pacer threshold.

There is no need to change your lifestyle even after placement of the device. However, there are a number of precautions that should be undertaken. For instance, you should avoid taking part in full contact sports as well as any activities in which they are likely to come into contact with strong magnetic fields. There may be a need for antibiotics when some medical conditions are being conducted to prevent infection of the device.

Patients that have a pacer device inserted need to have an identification card with them at all times. This card contains vital personal information including the diagnosis, the cause of their problem and a copy of their electrocardiogram tracing. Other relevant information includes the center in which the operation was conducted, the date in which the pacer was manufactures, its model and lead types. This will make it possible for treatment to be provided in any other hospital.




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