CardiacPacemakerProcedure, PacemakerSurgery, PacemakersRisks
What Is Cardiac Pacemaker? - Pacemaker Procedure?
A cardiac pacemaker is an artificial electrical stimulator which consists of a pulse generator and electrode catheters that transmit impulses to the artificial heart. Pulse Generator is a small sealed metal box, the battery powered, embedded under the skin below the collarbone on the left or right side. The modern pulse generators have weight about 20 grams and are suitable for subcutaneous implantation, which provides a comfortable living and full activity of cardiac pacemaker. Electrode catheters are special cables for conducting electricity with a diameter around 2-3 mm and are made from the conductor that carries electrical current from the pulse generator to the heart, the insulator that serves to prevent the transfer of power to the casual structure, and electrodes on its top by which electrical impulses through directcontact apply on the endocardium of the heart.
There are two primary types of cardiac pacemakers: a standard cardiac pacemaker that triggers the chambers of the heart, and an internal defibrillator/pacemaker combination known as a cardioverter defibrillator (In next articles we will keep primary focus on biventricular pacemaker and permanent pacemaker).
Cardiac Pacemaker Surgery
Pacemakers must be installed into surgical conditions, and in surgical catheterization rooms. Cardiac pacemakers are implanted in the conditions of local infiltrative anesthesia and for pediatric patients or very old people may be required implantation under general anesthesia. Regarding the anatomic approach, the present recommendations are that the first cardiac pacemaker surgery road should be cephalic vein cutting method for one or two electrode.
Pacemaker surgery is simple and relatively brief procedure. In the operating room is an x-ray by which a cardiologist looks at the implanting of electrodes into the heart, the devices to adjust the implanted pacemaker and to the patient’s heart rhythm and surgical instruments. One or two electrodes are inserted in a vein in the regions below the clavicle, and through it to permeate the inner wall of the right chamber or antechamber, where they fix themselves. Guiding of the electrodes into the heart of is controlled by the X-ray. Generator is instilled into the small “pocket” under the skin and connects to the electrodes (electrode) which were inserted into the heart. Generator is adjusted to the optimal order and then the subcutaneous pocket is sewn up. Operations, together with adjustments, usually last from twenty minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the type of cardiac pacemaker, the number of electrodes and condition of the patient.
Pacemaker surgery recovery
Over the next 24-48 hours the patient’s side of the chest, where the cardiac pacemaker was implanted remains partially immobilized with the bandage, on which is a small bag with sand. The patient should not get up from bed 24 hours after surgery, so the electrode in the heart would not be moved from the optimal position. The patient remains in hospital under the medical supervision for several days. Upon discharge the patient should come to the regular control according to the schedule assigned by the doctor – a cardiologist.
Every patient should get their “Pacemaker Identification Card”(similar appearance to credit cards) on which are pacemaker surgery details, type of cardiac pacemaker that was implanted and the cardiologist information who conducted a surgery. The patients who were implanted a cardiac pacemaker should always carry these cards with themselves.
Pacemaker Risks – Pacemaker Battery
Cardiac pacemaker battery lasts for several years, depending on the rate of spending, of models and modes of pacemakers. Modern pacemaker batteries can last over ten years, but that does not mean you should ignore the regular checks and wait to the battery is fully discharged. If it is on a regular cardiac pacemaker control shown that pacemaker battery is on the end of its working life, it must be replaced. The replacing of batteries is conducted with your cardiologists approval and agreement. The mere replacement is a minor surgical intervention, simpler and shorter than the implant. After replacing the generator patient usually goes home the same day, possibly for a day or two.
Cardiac Pacemaker risks are very rare, but it is sometimes necessary to take precautions, especially if you suspect that there is an impact on your pacemaker of strong external electromagnetic fields.
There is no danger from: radio equipment, music stereo-line, CD player, VCR, remote controls for them, wireless and wired standard home and office phones, microwave oven, electric oven and grill, toaster, blender, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, washer, electric blankets, electric shavers, electric gas lighter, electric toothbrushes, portable (lap-top) computer, photocopier, fax, hearing aids, electrical plugs, boxes and cables, of course assuming they are installed in a proper way.
There is no big risk from nutrition, but you have to be careful depending of the type of your cardiac pacemaker, your cardiac illness and physical shape. People with implanted pacemakers may continue their usual sexual activity.
Special caution for cardiac pacemaker risks is recommended for: TV transmitters, radars and mobile phones (keep your mobile at least 30 cm from pacemaker; when you are using it, keep it on the opposite side of your cardiac pacemaker). For precautions and everything else regarding cardiac pacemaker, pacemaker surgery, pacemaker risks you should talk to your doctor.
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