What is a pacemaker or heart battery?

Electrophysiological studies

For most people who have problems related to the electrical activity of the heart, such as a rhythm disorder or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), an ECG or other routine tests do not provide enough information. Electrophysiology studies are tests that, using a catheter, enable the doctor to send controlled electrical impulses into the heart, thereby determining where the problem is in the heart and how it should be corrected.
To perform an electrophysiology study, your doctor inserts a cardiac catheter into your body and then inserts a type of electrode into the chambers of your heart. The electrode sends impulses to your heart, causing it to beat at different rates. The doctor follows these impulses and maps the heart's electrical conduction system and how it responds to the impulses. You may be given special medications during the catheterization to cause or stop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) to determine which medication is best for you.
Heart pacemaker: When people experience irregular heart rhythms, they may be advised to use a heart pacemaker, which is also called a pacemaker in medical terms, by visiting a specialist.

Catheter ablation is now widely used to treat atrial tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia, and some types of ventricular tachycardia. To perform catheter ablation, an electrophysiologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating arrhythmias) inserts one or more catheters with electrodes at the end into the chambers of the heart and uses a type of energy (usually radio waves) to destroy (destroy) the abnormal heart tissue that is causing the extra electrical signals. The area of ​​heart tissue that is destroyed is very small (about one-fifth of an inch) and has no effect on the overall function of the heart. A small, harmless scar (repair tissue) forms in this area, and the heart's normal rhythm returns.
This procedure has a very high success rate, few side effects, and requires mild sedation and local anesthesia. There is little pain or discomfort, and most people return to their normal activities within a few days. In most people, the tachycardia is treated and they no longer need antiarrhythmic drugs.

A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under the skin of the chest to help control the heart rate. This device is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), especially slow ones. It goes without saying that implanting a pacemaker in the chest requires a surgical procedure.

What is a pacemaker?

A heart pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a proper heart rate and rhythm. Pacemakers can also be used to treat syncope, congestive heart failure, and rarely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This device is implanted just under the skin of the chest during a minor surgery. A healthy heart has its own pacemaker that regulates the heart rate. But in some people, the heart doesn't beat regularly, which is caused by a problem called an arrhythmia. In this case, the pacemaker can correct it.

How is the heart battery implanted?

Pacemakers are implanted in two ways:

Cardiovascular approach: This is the most commonly used technique. This procedure is performed in the cardiac pacemaker laboratory or electrophysiology laboratory.

• A local anesthetic (pain reliever) is prescribed to numb the area. An incision is made in the chest where the leads and pacemaker are inserted.
• The lead(s) are inserted into a vein through an incision, then guided into the heart with the help of a fluoroscopic device.
• The tip of the lead is attached to the heart muscle, while the other end of the lead (attached to the pulse generator) is placed in a pocket created under the skin in the upper part of the chest.

Epicardial approach: This is mostly used in children.

• This procedure is performed by a surgeon in a surgical suite. General anesthesia is used to put the child to sleep.
• The surgeon attaches the tip of the lead to the heart muscle, while the other end of the lead (attached to the pulse generator) is placed in a pocket created under the skin in the abdomen.
• Although recovery with the epicardial approach is longer than with the other method, minimally invasive techniques allow for a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time.

 

Cares and limitations after cardiac battery surgery

• It is recommended to change the dressing of the surgical site every day, and there is no need to apply any special medicine or substance on the site, but replace the dressing with gloves and sterile gauze.
• If you encounter redness and swelling at the wound site, inform your doctor immediately.
• Do not bathe until you have pulled the stitches.
• Limit the movements of the left shoulder for a month and it is better not to sleep on your left side.
• Do not put your mobile phone directly on the place where the pacemaker is installed. It is recommended to place the mobile phone at least 15 cm away from the pacemaker. Put it on your right ear while talking on the cell phone.
• Avoid being in places that have strong magnetic waves, such as driving a motorcycle, working with a chainsaw, high voltage electrical posts, and the like.
• When traveling by plane, inform the inspection authorities about the presence of your pacemaker.
• Consult your doctor if you need an MRI.
• Before performing dental services, be sure to consult your doctor.