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Cardiac Device Implantation in Mukundapur

Cardiac Device Implantation

Cardiac Device Implantation in Mukundapur

Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart disorder. Combating it isn’t always possible with lifestyle changes and medication. When other treatment options are no longer feasible, your doctor may suggest Cardiac Device Implantation to regulate your heart rhythm.

Cardiac Device Implantation is a surgical procedure to place a device under the skin of the chest that monitors and corrects an irregular heartbeat. The device delivers electric shocks to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

Depending on the type or severity of the heart condition, you may receive a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a biventricular pacemaker, or a cardiac loop recorder implanted. These devices are connected to the heart through leads. At Manipal Hospitals, we provide all the support and care required to ensure the heart’s electrical system functions properly.
 

FAQ's

The pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that monitors your heart rhythm. The device is 5 by 4 cm and oval in shape, which you will be able to feel in the chest while lying down. 

The pacemaker continuously monitors the heart's activity through its wires. If it detects that the heart rhythm has slowed or skipped a beat, it sends electrical impulses to restore the rhythm. When the rhythm is normal, the device does not interfere with heart function.
 

Also referred to as a cardiac resynchronisation device, it functions similarly to the pacemaker but has an additional third wire to send electrical impulses to synchronise the heart’s lower chamber.
 

The device continuously records the heart rhythm for up to three years. The functionality of the device is similar to that of the EKG, or electrocardiogram. With this device, the source of the arrhythmia can be diagnosed.

Individuals who have unexplained fainting spells or have heart palpitations that cannot be detected with a Holter monitor are ideal candidates to undergo the implantation of this device.
 

An ICD helps detect the rhythm of the heart and has wires that are implanted into the heart tissues, which deliver electric shock to correct the heart’s rhythm. 
 

Pacemakers prevent the heart rhythm from slowing and keep the top and bottom chambers of the heart well coordinated. They send small electrical signals to correct the heart’s rhythm.

ICDs can function similarly to the pacemaker to correct slow rhythms, but their primary function is to correct rapid heartbeats that can be life-threatening. This is achieved by sending rapid electric signals, or shocks, to the heart.
 

Implantable heart devices such as pacemakers and ICDs do not permanently cure heart rhythm disorders, but they act as a substitute electrical system for the heart to maintain a normal heart rhythm.
 

An incision of 1 to 3 cm long is made on the chest when the patient is under sedation. The devices are placed under the skin, beneath the collarbone. Once the devices are in place, the doctor tests the device to adjust it to your specific needs.
 

Initially, you may feel the weight of the device in your chest, but gradually you will get used to it. ICD can appear slightly larger than the pacemaker. If the device feels loose or wiggles under the skin, report this to your healthcare provider immediately. You may feel the shocks the device sends to the heart as jolts; do not worry.
 

An MRI is a diagnostic tool that uses magnets to take images of the body parts. The newer devices and leads are MRI-conditional, meaning specific criteria must be met to safely undergo an MRI. Therefore, you will have to meet with your doctor prior to the procedure to verify your condition and monitor the device for safety during the imaging.
 

You may resume your normal routine after fully recovering from surgery. However, you may have specific restrictions to ensure optimal device functioning. Some of these are:

  • Smartphones and their components can contain magnets that emit a small amount of electromagnetic field that can interfere with device functioning. Ensure your smartphone is at least 15 cm away from the device. Do not keep them in your breast pocket, and use the device on the opposite ear.

  • Doctors advise you to avoid driving for at least 6 months or immediately after the device placement. This is due to the device's ability to cure heart arrhythmias, which may dangerously result in unconsciousness.

  • Avoid high-voltage radar machines such as TVs or radios and high-tension wires, as their magnetic fields can interfere with your device’s normal functioning.

There are no specific restrictions for travelling with a heart device. However, if the device triggers security gates at airports or elsewhere, you may have to present the implanted device ID card. You must let the security staff know that you have an implantable heart device and discuss the appropriate screening procedure.
 

A magnet causes the pacemaker to pace at a constant rate and the ICD to withhold shocks. However, these effects are temporary when you come in contact with small magnets. But you have to avoid being close to large magnets or magnetic fields to prevent any adverse effects.
 

You may need some adjustments to the heart devices, depending on your medical condition. These adjustments are possible with a device called a programmer, which directly communicates with your heart device using magnetic signals.
 

The batteries in your pacemaker can last for at least 5 to 7 years. After which, the battery can be replaced on an outpatient basis or in a hospital setting.

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