Aster Hospitals is a leading healthcare provider in the city. The hospital offers various medical services, including the permanent pacemaker implantation procedure. This medical intervention involves the insertion of a small device into the patient's body to regulate the heartbeat of individuals who experience irregular or slowed heartbeats due to cardiac conditions such as heart block. The pacemaker sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle, helping it beat regularly and at a standard rate.
Under the care of experienced medical professionals, the permanent pacemaker implantation procedure is executed under local anesthesia at Aster Hospitals, Bangalore. Patients can be discharged and return home on the same day, with a relatively short recovery time. Within 7 to 10 days, patients can resume their regular activities. The pacemakers are designed to last several years, but regular checkups with the healthcare provider are necessary to ensure proper functioning.
Aster Hospitals' permanent pacemaker implantation procedure is an effective treatment option for cardiac disorders affecting the heart's electrical signals. This procedure improves the patient's life with heart block and other affiliated conditions. Patients are advised to consult a heart care expert to determine whether this procedure is appropriate. The hospital's medical professionals are always ready to provide the necessary guidance and support to help patients make informed decisions about their health.
Health Conditions Treated
- Atrial fibrillation
- Bradycardia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart block
- Long QT syndrome
- Sick sinus syndrome
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
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.
Differentiate the three types of pacemakers.
There are three pacemakers:
- Single-chamber pacemakers have one lead placed in the right atrium or the heart's right ventricle.
- Dual-chamber pacemakers have two leads. These are located in specific places—one at the right atrium and another in the right ventricle.
- Biventricular pacemakers have three leads—one is in the right atrium, the second in the right ventricle, the third in the left ventricle.
Each of these pacemakers is used to treat various heart rhythm disorders.
Is a pacemaker implant safe?
Pacemaker implantation is generally regarded as safe. It has low risks of intricacies. However, there are chances of the pacemaker losing its heartbeat-controlling ability. It could be due to malfunctions or wire displacement.
Is pacemaker surgery high-risk?
A pacemaker implantation is normally a secure method. You may experience some pain around the insertion site. But this discomfort would be momentary. There would be no swelling or bleeding at the implantation area.
Is there another option besides a pacemaker for heart treatment?
Depending on your requirement, experts can recommend an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) as an option besides a pacemaker. It is inserted under the skin and has a computer to observe your heart rate and rhythm. It has the added feature of delivering a shock to restore normal rhythm if your heart beats too fast or irregularly.
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.
What is the age limit for a pacemaker?
Pacemaker implantation is possible in all age groups. Yet, in most cases, it is executed for those in their sixties and above. Normally, the natural pacemaker declines with age or due to specific medical situations.
Can pacemakers be removed?
Pacemaker removal is possible anytime. Yet, the patient or a qualified medical professional cannot take this decision on lighter notes. Pacemaker removal is risky. The pacemaker should be removed only if necessary. We recommend consulting heartcare experts. They can better explain to you the risks and benefits of the procedure.
How long would it take to recover after a pacemaker implantation?
After the pacemaker implantation, you can resume routine life within 7 to 15 days. Yet, it would be best to avoid harsh physical activities where your upper body has to work hard for a few weeks after the implantation. Additionally, pacemaker batteries typically last for approximately 10 years.
How long do pacemaker wires last?
These leads last for around 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced along with the device.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Aster Hospitals are well-equipped to perform permanent pacemaker implantation. It boasts of the following:
- Electrophysiology laboratory (EP lab)
To study and treat heart rhythm disorders, experts use the EP lab. Aster Hospitals’ EP lab has qualified assisting staff and medical professionals. It is mostly used to diagnose and treat atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and other arrhythmias. The EP lab is an essential tool used in managing cardiac conditions. It allows doctors to check and treat heart rhythm disorders precisely and accurately.
- Catheterization laboratory
The Catheterization laboratory is also known as the cath lab. To treat heart and vascular conditions, experts perform minimally invasive procedures here. Aster Hospitals have a well-equipped cath lab with modern facilities and medical apparatus. The cath lab plays a critical role in managing cardiovascular disease.
A pacemaker implanted at Aster Hospitals by an interventional electrophysiologist in either an EP lab or catheterization laboratory can significantly decrease medical expenses and length of hospital stays.
The personnel required for pacemaker implantation include the following:
- Implanting physician
An implanting physician is a medical professional specializing in the surgical placement of permanent pacemakers. It is a small device that helps regulate the heartbeat in patients with certain heart conditions. The implanting physician performs the process and ensures the pacemaker functions correctly.
- Scrub nurse
A scrub nurse helps the implanter throughout the procedure.
- Circulating nurse or technician
The circulating nurse or technician must prepare and administer medications and operate the pacing system analyzer.
At Aster Hospitals, we provide essential fluoroscopy and electrocardiography (ECG) services. These are crucial for all implant devices. Using a single-plane fluoroscopy, the anteroposterior, 30° right anterior oblique, and 45° left anterior oblique views are typically sufficient for transvenous implantation using either the right or left pectoral approach. The pacing system analyzers are used to get lead sensing and capture measurements. These analyzers can either be stand-alone or built into the pacer programmer.
Experts at Aster Hospitals always explain to the patient regarding the use of specific equipment near their pacemaker before they leave the hospital. Following a pacemaker implantation, routine appointments will be scheduled at Aster Hospitals to ensure the pacemaker works appropriately. During these appointments, the doctor will use a computer programmer to monitor the pacemaker's activity and adjust its settings.
