Skip to main content

How pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are implanted and used



The heart is a four-chambered pump with its own electrical system. When the electrical system is faulty or in need of repair, a cardiac device, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, is implanted. A pacemaker keeps the heart from beating too slowly. When the heart's own electrical system misses a signal to stimulate the heart to beat, a pacemaker sends the signal to replace it.

A defibrillator, or ICD, corrects fast heart rhythms from the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart.

Most defibrillators have built-in pacemakers. A biventricular system is a pacemaker or defibrillator with two leads in the lower chambers or ventricles. This system helps the heart beat more efficiently and is often used to treat a condition called heart failure.

Cardiac devices are small, lightweight, electronic devices that hold a battery and tiny computers. Typically, they are placed under the skin, just below the collarbone.

Insulated wires, or leads, are threaded through large veins, ending up in the heart. The leads are attached to the cardiac device. The batteries last an average of five to seven years depending on their use. Some last more than that, some last less. When a battery change is indicated, the entire device is replaced, but the leads or wires are often reused.

Pacemakers, defibrillators and heart monitoring devices are implanted in people of all ages. In most cases, individuals can lead a normal life with minimal restrictions.

Strenuous exercise or sexual activity may be resumed once your physician clears you to do so. Common items that you may come in contact with such as microwaves, computers and metal detectors will not interfere with the device's function. There are a few precautions.

Cell phones need to stay 10 inches away from the implanted device due to potential interference. Close contact with running engines, generators or welders should be avoided. Most medical procedures will not interfere with your implanted device, including X-rays, CAT scans, ultrasounds and mammograms. Contact the office managing your device to see if you have an MRI safe device. What you will need to be aware of will be discussed in more detail in the patient education booklet you will receive in your teaching folder.

Learn more about pacemaker

.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A-FIB VERSUS JUNCTIONAL RHYTHMS

. ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: On your rhythm strip, the two most important characteristics are: . 1) A rhythm that’s IRREGULARLY irregular (meaning there’s no way to predict the next beat) 2) No discernible P waves . In fact, if you notice an irregularly irregular rhythm and you’re having to convince yourself that you see P waves... it’s probably A-fib (multifocal atrial arrhythmias like WAP/MAT could fit the differential) . *In my opinion: Don’t get caught up in using fibrillation waves as an absolute criteria. Very fine A-fib can sometimes produce a near isoelectric line between beats. . JUNCTIONAL RHYTHMS: The pacemaker cells surrounding the AV junction are capable of initiating regular impulses but at a slightly slower natural rate than their sinus and atrial superiors. The heart is built this way so that when the pacemaker cells with the fastest intrinsic rates are in action, those below are suppressed and function primarily to pass along the impulse from above. . For these reasons, we s...

The Pathway of Blood

Here’s a great illustration on the pathway of blood flow through the heart. It may seem easy...but you should know this cold as well as the cardiac anatomy, both of which will make procedures and understanding hemodynamics easier. . . . đŸ’™VENOUS BLOOD- Blood flows into the heart (into the right atrium) through two major veins (the superior and inferior vena cava) as well as from the coronary sinus (cardiac venous blood from the coronaries) and then out through the first AV valve (tricuspid valve) into the right ventricle. From there blood flows into the right ventricular outflow tract, across the first semilunar valve (pulmonic valve) and into the main and then left and right pulmonary arteries. Blood then enters the lungs to become oxygenated. . . . ❤️ARTERIAL BLOOD- now that blood is oxygenated flow goes from the lungs into the left atrium through 4 veins (usually) called the pulmonary veins. From the left atrium blood flows across the other AV valve (mitral valve) and into the left ...

How to Stop Ectopic Beats

What is Ectopic Beats? According to Dr. Boon Lim - Ectopic beats are also known as Ectopic Heart Rhythm or cardiac ectopy. It is produced when the heart creates a premature beat, usually followed by a brief pause. Types of Ectopic Beats: 1. Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) 2. Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) Causes Of Ectopic Beats There are different causes of Ectopic Beats. Some of these are  Excessive alcohol consumption Excessive caffine consumptionPrescription drugs Stress (which produces high adrenaline levels) Exercise Diarrhoea and vomitting, which may disturb electrolyte levels (typically low potassium levels) Heart muscle damage from a heart attack Heart enlargement (cardiomyopathy) Valvular heart disease, such as a floppy mitral valve (mitral valve prolapse) Symptoms of Ectopic Beats Following Can Be The Symptom of Ectopic Beats: your heart is fluttering you are hyper aware of your heartbeat you feel faint or ...