The normal heart generates its own rhythm through specialized tissues found at the sinoatrial (SA) node. Electrical impulses from this region are transmitted to the rest of the heart resulting in contraction and relaxation and hence the filling and emptying of this organ with blood. In some cases, the heart is unable to undergo this cycle effectively creating the need for an artificial device or pacemaker.
The primary role of these devices in Princeton, NJ is to normalize the heart rate and rhythm. There are a number of secondary benefits as well. Fainting episodes in persons with heart disease are often treated in this manner. Such episodes result when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Other common indications include congestive heart failure (in cardiac re-synchronization therapy) and heart muscle disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
The decision to have surgery is usually made by the heart specialist after a thorough evaluation. This evaluation includes the taking of a medical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for some investigations. Those that are most informative include the echocardiogram and the electrocardiogram. Once you have met the required criteria, you will be advised on the foods and drugs to be avoided during the preparation stage.
The process through which the pacer is inserted is fairly straightforward. Local or general anesthesia are used to minimize the pain. Once the area of interest has been numbed, a small cut is made on an area near the shoulder. The leads are then maneuvered to the heart through the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. This operation takes an average of 30 to 90 minutes. Antibiotics are usually administered to prevent infections.
Although the operation is considered a day case in most centers, you may have to be admitted overnight. This provides an opportunity for the heart rate and rhythm to be monitored. The frequency may have to be adjusted if the rate is either too high or too low. There are a number of complications that may ensue after the operation. They include bleeding, abnormal heart rhythms, infections and more rarely, puncture of the lung or the heart.
Patients should have regular medical checkups. This are meant to help determine if the device is in proper working condition. The first full checkup should be done six weeks after the surgery. Unless complications have been encountered, subsequent checkups are then done after every six months. During the evaluation, a number of parameters have to be assessed. They include the threshold, the lead integrity and pacer sensing ability.
It is not an absolute necessity for one to change their lifestyle after surgery. However, one should take precautions to avoid damaging the device. For example, strong magnetic fields such as those in MRI machines should be avoided. There is also a need to minimize participation in contact sports that may damage the pacer. When undergoing invasive medical procedures, antibiotics should be administered as prophylaxis against infections.
A patient who has been fitted with a pacer device should carry with them an identification card. On the card, is important information relating to their condition such as their diagnosis, the etiology, and an electrocardiogram tracing. Other information that may be included includes the doctor who did the placement, the date of manufacture of the pacer, the model and the types of leads used. The card makes it possible for other hospitals to manage the patient easily.
The primary role of these devices in Princeton, NJ is to normalize the heart rate and rhythm. There are a number of secondary benefits as well. Fainting episodes in persons with heart disease are often treated in this manner. Such episodes result when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Other common indications include congestive heart failure (in cardiac re-synchronization therapy) and heart muscle disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
The decision to have surgery is usually made by the heart specialist after a thorough evaluation. This evaluation includes the taking of a medical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for some investigations. Those that are most informative include the echocardiogram and the electrocardiogram. Once you have met the required criteria, you will be advised on the foods and drugs to be avoided during the preparation stage.
The process through which the pacer is inserted is fairly straightforward. Local or general anesthesia are used to minimize the pain. Once the area of interest has been numbed, a small cut is made on an area near the shoulder. The leads are then maneuvered to the heart through the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. This operation takes an average of 30 to 90 minutes. Antibiotics are usually administered to prevent infections.
Although the operation is considered a day case in most centers, you may have to be admitted overnight. This provides an opportunity for the heart rate and rhythm to be monitored. The frequency may have to be adjusted if the rate is either too high or too low. There are a number of complications that may ensue after the operation. They include bleeding, abnormal heart rhythms, infections and more rarely, puncture of the lung or the heart.
Patients should have regular medical checkups. This are meant to help determine if the device is in proper working condition. The first full checkup should be done six weeks after the surgery. Unless complications have been encountered, subsequent checkups are then done after every six months. During the evaluation, a number of parameters have to be assessed. They include the threshold, the lead integrity and pacer sensing ability.
It is not an absolute necessity for one to change their lifestyle after surgery. However, one should take precautions to avoid damaging the device. For example, strong magnetic fields such as those in MRI machines should be avoided. There is also a need to minimize participation in contact sports that may damage the pacer. When undergoing invasive medical procedures, antibiotics should be administered as prophylaxis against infections.
A patient who has been fitted with a pacer device should carry with them an identification card. On the card, is important information relating to their condition such as their diagnosis, the etiology, and an electrocardiogram tracing. Other information that may be included includes the doctor who did the placement, the date of manufacture of the pacer, the model and the types of leads used. The card makes it possible for other hospitals to manage the patient easily.
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