Pacemaker operation

Implantation of a pacemaker

Before planting / surgery one Pacemaker A detailed examination of the patient is both necessary and possible because this procedure no Represents an emergency operation and can therefore be easily planned.
It usually lasts less than an hour and can usually be performed under local anesthesia; only in a few exceptional cases is one general anesthetic necessary.

The operation begins by making an incision about 5 to 6 cm long under the collarbone and exposing the vein below. This is then opened and the pacemaker electrode is inserted into the blood vessel through this opening. The probe (=electrode) then advanced into the heart. With a single-chamber pacemaker, it is then placed in the part of the heart muscle that is ultimately to be stimulated (i.e. either in the atrium or ventricle), with a two-chamber pacemaker, one probe is placed in the atrium and one in the main chamber. The optimal transmission of the current impulses to the heart muscle is then checked by a few measurements. Only when it is certain that this is working properly is the electrode finally connected to the pacemaker.

Once the electrodes are in place, the doctor forms a "Tissue bag" for the Pacemaker. This can be either under the skin or under the skin Chest muscle are located. In very rare cases the Pacemaker also once implanted in the abdomen.

When this is finished, the interface is sutured and the patient is given a sterile bandage. He then has to take it easy in the first few days after the operation. He must not spread or lift the arm more than 90 degrees and not subject the shoulder to excessive stress, as the electrodes need some time to grow in and run the risk of shifting with larger movements.
Should Swelling after the surgery in the area of ​​the pacemaker pocket, fever, Dizziness If you experience chest pain, you should see a doctor immediately.

Complications

The main complications that can occur during the implantation / operation of a pacemaker are Bruising and Nerve irritation in the area of ​​the pacemaker pocket.
Injuries to the pleura or an infection can rarely be triggered. It can also happen that the probe does not work properly Pacemaker is attached or breaks or the device itself does not work properly. However, this is recognized when the pacemaker is checked.

It can also be used as the so-called "Pacemaker Syndrome“Come in which the atria are no longer able to completely fill the chambers with blood and therefore an inadequate cardiac output occurs.

Sometimes electrical stimulation can cause the pacemaker to contract Diaphragm trigger what to hiccup can lead.