Pacemakers and Abnormal Heart Rhythms
Pacemakers are implanted two ways:
Endocardial approach. This is the most common technique used.
A local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication) is given to numb the area. An incision is made in the chest where the leads and pacemaker are inserted.
The lead(s) is inserted through the incision and into a vein, then guided to the heart with the aid of the x-ray machine.
The lead tip attaches 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 chest.
Epicardial approach. This technique is more commonly used in children than adults.
A surgeon performs this procedure in an operating room. General anesthesia is given to put you to sleep .
The surgeon attaches the lead tip 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 that of the transvenous approach, minimally invasive techniques have enabled shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times.
The doctor will determine, which pacemaker implant method is best for you.
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What Happens During the Pacemaker Procedure?
The endocardial pacemaker implant takes about one to five hours to perform.
You will lie on a bed and the nurse will start an intravenous line (IV) into your arm or hand. This is so you may receive medications and fluids during the procedure. You will be given a medication through your IV to relax you and make you drowsy, but it will not put you to sleep .
The nurse will connect you to several monitors. The monitors allow the doctor and nurse to check your heart rhythm, blood pressure , and other measurements during the pacemaker implant.
Your left or right side of your chest will be shaved and cleansed with a special soap. Sterile drapes are used to cover you from your neck to your feet. A strap will be placed across your waist and arms to prevent your hands from coming in contact with the sterile field.
The doctor will numb your skin by injecting a local numbing medication. You will feel a pinching or burning feeling at first. Then, it will become numb. Once this occurs, an incision will be made to insert the pacemaker and leads. You may feel a pulling as the doctor makes a pocket in the tissue under your skin for the pacemaker. You should not feel pain. If you do, tell your nurse.
After the pocket is made, the doctor will insert the leads into a vein and guide them into position using the X-ray machine.
After the leads are in place, their function is tested to make sure they can increase your heart rate. This is called "pacing" and involves delivering small amounts of energy through the leads into the heart muscle. This causes the heart to contract. When your heart rate increases, you may feel your heart is racing or beating faster. It is very important to tell your doctor or nurse any symptoms you feel. Any pain should be reported immediately.
After the leads are tested the doctor will connect them to your pacemaker. Your doctor will determine the rate of your pacemaker and other settings. The final pacemaker settings are done after the implant using a special device called a programmer.
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What Happens After the Pacemaker Procedure?
You may be admitted to the hospital overnight. The nurses will monitor your heart rate and rhythm.
You will be shown how to care for your wound. Keep your wound clean and dry. Look at your wound every day to make sure it is healing. Call your doctor if you notice:
Increased drainage, bleeding, or oozing from the insertion site
Increased opening of the incision
Redness around the site
Increased body temperature (fever or chills)
Your pacemaker settings will be checked before you leave the hospital. You will receive a temporary ID card that tells you:
The type of pacemaker and leads you have.
The date of the pacemaker implant.
The name of the doctor who implanted the pacemaker.
Within three months, you will receive a permanent card from the pacemaker company. Carry this card with you at all times in case you need medical attention at another hospital.
Will I Be Able to Move Around After the Procedure?
Do not lift objects that weigh more than 10 pounds.
Do not hold your arm above shoulder level for three weeks.
Avoid activities that require pushing or pulling heavy objects, such as shoveling the snow or mowing the lawn.
Stop any activity before you become overtired.
Avoid golfing, tennis, and swimming for 6 weeks after the procedure.
Try to walk as much as possible for exercise .
Ask your doctor when you can resume more strenuous activities.
Your doctor will tell you when you can go back to work, usually within a week after you go home. If you have the flexibility at your job, ease back to your regular works schedule.
Should I Avoid Certain Electrical Devices With a Pacemaker?
Electric blankets, heating pads, and microwave ovens can be used and will not interfere with the function of your pacemaker.
Cell phones should not be placed directly against the chest or on the same side as your pacemaker.
You will need to avoid strong electric or magnetic fields, such as some industrial equipment; ham radios; high intensity radio waves (found near large electrical generators, power plants, or radiofrequency transmission towers); and arc resistance welders.
Do not undergo any tests that require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Your doctor or nurse can provide more information about what types of equipment may interfere with your pacemaker.
If you have concerns about your job or activities, ask your doctor.
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How Long Will My Pacemaker Last?
Pacemakers may last five to 10 years and sometimes longer, depending on how often they are used. When the battery becomes low, your pacemaker will need to be changed.
How Often Will I Need to See My Doctor?
A complete pacemaker check should be done six weeks after your pacemaker is implanted. This follow-up appointment is critical, because adjustments will be made that will prolong the life of your pacemaker. Then your pacemaker should be checked every three months on the telephone to evaluate battery function. Your nurse will explain how to check your pacemaker using the telephone transmitter. Once or twice a year you will need a more complete exam.
If you have a biventricular pacemaker, you may need to visit the doctor's office or hospital more frequently to make sure your device is working properly and the settings do not need to be adjusted.
WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by James  Beckerman, MD, FACC on January 18, 2015
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