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Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Gurgaon

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Gurgaon

A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the patient's chest to control their heartbeats. It helps prevent the heart muscles from moving too slowly and is also known as a cardiac pacing device since it helps maintain the pace of the heart.

Permanent pacemaker implantation is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure to implant the device in the patient's chest.

Types of Pacemakers 

  • Single Chamber pacemaker: It works to carry electrical impulses to a single chamber (usually the right ventricle) of the heart.

  • Dual Chamber pacemaker: It carries electrical impulses to two chambers (the right ventricle and right atrium) and helps regulate the contraction timings between the two chambers.

  • Biventricular Pacemaker: It helps patients with heartbeat problems caused by muscle weakness of the heart, by regulating the right and left ventricles to make the heart muscles work efficiently. 

Why Do We Need A Pacemaker?

  • A pacemaker works to control and regulate the heartbeat. A temporary pacemaker helps control the slow heartbeat after surgery, heart attack or medication overdose. It helps when there is scope for recovery of muscle function 

  • Doctors implant a permanent pacemaker to correct irregular and slow heartbeat and in case of weakened or damaged heart muscles. 

Normal Function Of Heart

  • The heart is a four-chambered muscular organ with two upper (right and left atria) and two lower chambers (right and left ventricles). 

  • The heart's function is to pump blood using its electrical system that controls the heartbeat. Certain factors like age, gender, health, genetic factors and some medications may cause irregularities in a heartbeat.

Function of a Pacemaker

The pacemaker works when required. If the heartbeat is slow, the pacemaker works by sending electrical signals to the heart to correct the heart rhythm. 

A pacemaker consists of two parts:

  • Pulse generator: It is a small box that houses the battery and the electrical circuit responsible for controlling the rate of electrical pulses to the heart.

  • Leads (electrodes): These are the insulated and flexible wires which are placed in one or more heart chambers and work to send electrical pulses to regulate the heart rate. Consult your doctor for the best options available for you.

Some of the benefits of permanent pacemaker implantation:

  • It can improve the quality of life by reducing symptoms such as fatigue and lightheadedness.

  • It can help to prevent serious complications such as heart failure.

  • It is a safe and effective procedure.

Risks

Pacemaker Implantation is a surgical procedure and just like any medical procedure, there is always a minor chance of complications. Some of the associated risks are:

  • Infection at the site of pacemaker implantation.

  • Bleeding, bruising and swelling at the site of implantation.

  • Blood clotting.

  • Damage to the blood vessels or nerves.

  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lungs).

  • Hemothorax.     

Preparation

The doctors seek the results of several tests to decide if the patient requires a pacemaker. 

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG measures the heart's electrical activity. 

  • It is a painless test in which the technician sticks electrodes on the patient's chest, arm or legs.  

  • The electrodes connect to a monitor where the test results are visible. 

  • Holter Monitoring: A Holter monitor is a small device that the patient needs to wear for 1 to 2 days. It helps to track the heart's rhythm by continuously monitoring the heartbeat at unpredictable times.

  • Echocardiogram: It is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to capture the heart's size, motion and structure.

  • Stress Test/TMT: A stress test measures the heart rhythm before and during the exercise. The patient walks on a treadmill or a stationary bike.

Before the Procedure

  • The surgery takes a few hours, and the patient is usually awake when the doctors implant a pacemaker. 

  • The patient gets sedatives to relax.

  • The surgery assistant cleans the chest of the patient with soap.

  • A doctor will numb the site of the incision with local anaesthesia. If the patient wants, they can ask the doctors for general anaesthesia to sleep during the surgery.

Procedure

  • X-ray images help the doctor insert one or more flexible, insulated wires into a vein in the chest area and guide them to the heart. While one end goes at a specific position in the heart chamber, the other part is attached to the pulse generator. 

  • The doctors implant the pulse generator under the skin beneath the collarbone.

  • In the case of a leadless pacemaker, the pulse generator and other parts are present in a single container. The doctor inserts a catheter in a groin vein and guides it to the heart.

After the Treatment

  • After the pacemaker implantation, the patients stay in the hospital for observation. The doctors will program the pacemaker to match the health needs of the patient.

  • The patient should avoid driving, doing heavy exercise, and putting pressure on the implantation site.

Special Precautions

The patients should take the following precautions after the surgery.

  • Keep the cell phone at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker. Avoid putting the phone in the shirt pocket and hold it to the year opposite the site of the pacemaker.

  • Avoid passing through the metal detector security systems at airports and malls. 

  • Tell the doctor about the pacemaker if you are undergoing any imaging test, radiation therapy or any procedure involving electrical and shock waves.

  • Stay away from power-generating equipment like high-voltage transformers, welding machines or motor-generating systems. 

  • Unlike common myths, microwave ovens, radios, electric shavers, blankets, televisions, and remote controls do not interfere with the pacemaker.

Results

  • A slow heartbeat causes fatigue and light-headedness in the patients. A pacemaker helps subside these symptoms. 

  • The pacemakers used by the best cardiac hospital in India can adjust the heart rate per physical activity.

  • Doctors check the patient's pacemakers every 3 to 6 months, to ensure optimal performance.  

  • The pacemaker battery lasts from 5 to 15 years. The patients need to get it replaced by surgery. 

Why Choose Manipal Hospitals?

  • Manipal hospitals are the most sought-after for cardiology treatment. Our Department of Cardiology is the centre of excellence and boasts of the latest medical technology and treatment facilities. Each patient is a priority, and the doctors discuss the cases to chalk out the best treatment plan. 

  • We have the latest facilities like Minimally Invasive Surgeries, Robotic Surgeries, Complex Coronary Interventions and Cardiac Device Implantations.

Choose Manipal Hospitals if you require Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in Gurgaon. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How long does a permanent pacemaker last? 

The pacemaker battery has a life of 5-15 years. Once the battery wears off, the doctors replace it with a new one with a simple surgery.

  • What activities should one avoid after the pacemaker implantation?

  • Stretching arms overhead.

  • Heavy physical activity.

  • Lifting heavy objects.

  • Rubbing the site of the incision on the chest.

  • How long does it take to recover after pacemaker implantation surgery?

The patients should recover in approximately four weeks.

  • Can one use a cell phone after the pacemaker implantation?

Yes. However, the patient must take two precautions.

  • To hold the cell phone to the ear opposite the site of implantation.

  • Never keep the phone near the implantation site, like in the shirt pocket.

  • Can patients exercise with a pacemaker?

The patients can do moderate exercises like aerobic activity and strength training. 

Summary

  • PPI or Permanent Pacemaker Implantation is a minimally invasive procedure where a pacemaker is permanently inserted inside the body to regulate the heartbeat. 

  • Before the procedure, the doctor numbs the area with a sedative and sterilises the insertion site to make a small incision. Next, they insert a sheath inside the blood vessel. The pacemaker's lead wire is inserted through the sheath and advanced to the heart. The doctors check that it is working.

  • Next, a pacemaker generator is connected to the lead wire by implanting it under the skin at the incision site. The incision site is closed.

  • Cardiologists recommend PPI to patients with irregular or dysfunctional heartbeats due to blockages, alternating slow and fast heartbeats, and conduction blockages. PPI is safe to use and considered clinically beneficial.

  • PPI insertion ensures the heartbeat does not go dangerously low.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

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