Implanted Cardiac Devices (Pacemakers)
What is the purpose of a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is used to treat a slow heart rate. A pacemaker alone will not stop your atrial fibrillation (AF), but it can be helpful in managing it.
How is a pacemaker implanted?
On the day of the procedure, the anesthesia team will administer medications to make you go to sleep and a breathing tube may be placed. How the pacemaker is implanted depends on the type of pacemaker you are getting. Your doctor will determine what kind of pacemaker you need based on how often you are in AF and how well your heart pumps blood to the rest of your body.
Transvenous Pacemaker
A transvenous pacemaker relies on wires (called leads) that are inserted into the heart via the upper chest and attached to a pacemaker generator (called a can). This “can” will stay just under your skin in your upper chest.
Leadless Pacemaker
A leadless (no wires) pacemaker is a newer technology where the entire pacemaker sits in the heart chamber. Your doctor will insert a small, flexible tube called a catheter through the leg vein to place the pacemaker.
Most patients will go home on the same day after the procedure.
Post implantation, the patient will return to clinic 7-10 days after for a device and wound check.
How safe is the procedure?
This procedure is widely used and has shown to be safe. However, like with all procedures, there are some risks involved. These risks will be discussed with your doctor prior to the procedure.
When should a pacemaker be discussed?
Many patients have a fast heart rate during AF and often need medications to slow the heart rate down. If a patient already has a slow heart when they are in a normal (sinus) rhythm, then sometimes these medications can make the heart rate go too slow when they aren’t in AF. A pacemaker can be used to keep the heart rate in a safe range.
Other patients might experience slow heart rates during AF. A pacemaker can be used to keep the heart rate in a safe range. This can help improve symptoms related to having a slow heart rate, such as feeling tired, dizzy or even passing out.