What Is A Pacemaker?

When people refer to a pacemaker, they are actuallydiscussing a pacing system, which includes the pacemaker and leads. A traditional pacemaker is a small device that is implanted under the skin, typically just below the collarbone. The device delivers therapies to treat irregular, interrupted, or slow heartbeats. Leads are thin, soft, insulated wires about the size of a spaghetti noodle. The leads carry the electrical impulse from the pacemaker to your heart and relays information about the heart’s natural activity back to your pacemaker.

How Does A Pacemaker Work?

A pacemaker is designed to mimic the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node. The pacemaker has two main purposes — pacing and sensing. A pacemaker will send an electrical impulse to the heart when the heart’s own rhythm is too slow or is interrupted. This electrical impulse starts a heartbeat. Sensing A pacemaker will also “sense” (monitor) the heart’s natural electrical activity. When the pacemaker senses a natural heartbeat, it will not deliver a pacing pulse.

MRI Access

Traditionally, most pacemakers are not considered safe in an MRI environment because the MRI could change the settings, temporarily affect the normal operation of, or potentially damage the pacemaker. Take comfort in knowing that Medtronic has pacemaker systems FDA approved for use in the MRI environment. These pacemaker systems have a unique design, developed so that under specific conditions, patients may safely undergo MRI scans. Talk to your doctor about the pacemaker options available to you, including a device that may allow you access to an MRI in the future

Getting A Pacemaker Implanted

The procedure to implant a pacemaker does not require open heart surgery, and most people go home within 24 hours. Before the surgery, medication may be given to make you sleepy and comfortable. Generally, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

How is a traditional pacemaker system implanted?

  A small incision, approximately 5 cm long, is made in the upper chest.
  A lead (thin insulated wire, like a spaghetti noodle) is guided through the vein into the heart.
  Your doctor connects the lead to the pacemaker and programs the device.
  The pacemaker is then inserted beneath the skin.
  Your doctor tests the pacemaker to ensure it is working properly.
  The incision is then closed.