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Pacemaker implantArtificial implantable pacemakers are small, battery-operated devices that provide electrical stimulus through tiny wires (leads) to the heart for regular, efficient heart contractions. They are used to treat cardiac conditions such as arrythmia, heart rhythm disorders and congestive heart failure where the heart may beat too slowly or stop for short periods. A pacemaker is typically implanted on the left side of the chest below the collarbone (clavicle). Leads attach to electrodes strategically placed in the heart. A pacemaker can turn itself on and off automatically to regulate the heartbeat, depending on how fast the heart is beating. A pacemaker battery will last several years and is then replaced during a minor surgical procedure. A biventricular cardiac pacemaker sends electrical impulses to 3 chambers of the heart, rather than 2 chambers as with a typical pacemaker. A pulse generator is implanted in the chest and 3 leads connect to the heart. External pacemakers may be worn temporarily. They attach to the belt or pants and only the leads and electrodes are implanted in the chest during a simple surgical procedure. [ Previous page ] |
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