Why is pacemaker implantation done mostly?
Pacemaker implantation is suggested by cardiologists to treat the slow or irregular heartbeat. Factors like heart disease or heart muscle damage can cause this. Pacemakers help regulate the heart's rhythm. It ensures the heart beats normally and reduces the risk of severe heart complications.
Is pacemaker implantation a major surgery?
Pacemakers are implanted through a minor surgery under the skin of the chest. Local anesthesia is generally adequate for the procedure. Making a small incision below the collarbone on the chest wall, a pacemaker is implanted.
What are the things that one should avoid before undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram?
One should avoid drinking, smoking, or using any substance that contains nicotine. One should not drink coffee or consume any product that contains caffeine. Over-the-counter medications that contain caffeine should also be avoided.
What are the risks associated with transthoracic echocardiogram?
There are not many risks associated with transthoracic echocardiogram; this test does not use radiation or electric currents. This test usually does not cause any pain, except for a slight pinch from an IV injection of contrast.
What are the risks associated with transesophageal echocardiogram?
Some of the complications associated with transesophageal echocardiogram are: Allergy to the medications Aspiration pneumonia Problems related to blood pressure and heart rhythms Minor bleeding in the esophagus
Is transthoracic echocardiogram the same as an electrocardiogram?
Although both procedures have similar names, they are performed for different reasons. While an electrocardiogram is used to record the electrical signals of the heart, a transthoracic echocardiogram is used to visualize the structure of the heart. An echocardiogram can assess the chambers of the heart, the heart valves, and blood vessels. It can also assess the fluid accumulating around the heart.
Which is better between transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiograms?
A transesophageal echocardiogram takes images from inside the body and, thus, shows the heart and its valves in a detailed manner. Hence this is a better diagnostic test.
How is a transthoracic echocardiogram different from a transesophageal echocardiogram?
In a transesophageal echocardiogram, a probe is inserted into the esophagus. On the other hand, a transthoracic echocardiogram is performed by simply placing the probes against the skin. Both procedures use echoes from sound waves to create images.
Is one awake while a transesophageal echocardiogram is being done?
A moderate amount of sedation can make one feel drowsy but will allow one to tolerate the procedure without discomfort. The signs of discomfort are monitored before deciding the amount of sedation. Under general anesthesia, one needs a breathing machine. Because of deep sedation, the recovery is usually longer. The entire procedure of transesophageal echocardiogram takes around 15 minutes. However, the procedure may last as long as 90 minutes.
Is a transesophageal echocardiogram done under anesthesia?
A transesophageal echocardiogram is an invasive procedure requiring a device to be put into the body. It might cause mild discomfort, but the risks involved are usually low. Transesophageal echocardiogram usually requires only local anesthesia and moderate sedation.
