What is a pacemaker or heart battery?

heart battery; When people encounter irregular heart rhythm, they may be advised to use a heart battery, which is also called a pacemaker in medical terms, by visiting a specialist doctor.

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.