For some heart rhythm conditions, a pacemaker is an excellent solution. In fact, pacemaker implantations are among the most common types of surgery carried out in the UK for heart issues. If you have cardiac rhythm issues, then your doctor may have mentioned a pacemaker to you. One of your first questions was most likely; What is a pacemaker?
What Is A Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small electronic device. It sends signals along wires and keeps your heart beating at the correct rhythm.
Even though they are now quite commonplace, a lot of people still visualise the old clunky versions. However, pacemaker technology has come a long way. Modern pacemakers are about the size of a matchbox. Cl Modern pacemakers work ‘on-demand’. This means that they monitor your heart rhythm and only activate when needed.
How Is It Fitted?
You will need to have surgery to fit a pacemaker, but it is a straightforward procedure. You take a local anaesthetic for the operation. So, you will be awake for the procedure. This also means that most people can go home on the same day.
The surgeon places the generator, the part the size of a matchbox, by your left collar bone. It is small enough that the tissue of your chest will mask its presence. Wires are threaded from the box to the chambers of your heart. The number of wires will depend on your condition, and they type of pacemaker.
Next Steps
If you might benefit from a pacemaker, then it can be helpful to speak to a specialist. They can answer your questions. It allows you the opportunity to ask anything, from what is a pacemaker? to how would it help me?
Dr David Begley is a specialist in cardiac rhythm. So, why not make an appointment today to speak to him? Together, we can determine if a pacemaker might be right for you.