What is involved in a pacemaker implantation?
A pacemaker implantation generally takes about 1 hour. This is usually performed under local anaesthetic and general sedation. A small incision is made below the collar bone and the pacemaker generator is placed under the skin and fat layers. The leads enter a vein near the collar bone and are guided to the heart using an X-ray machine.
Patients routinely stay overnight following pacemaker implantation. The battery life of a pacemaker is about 5-10 years and the battery may be replaced when it runs out. Patients with a pacemaker will need routine follow-up to ensure the pacemaker is working properly.
When are pacemakers considered?
Pacemakers may be considered if the heart rate is too slow, in certain abnormal heart rhythm conditions when medications result in a slow heart rate, or in patients with heart failure who require a special pacemaker to help the heart pump better.