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 main indication of heart pacers in Princeton, NJ is to rectify abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The other benefits are secondary but beneficial nonetheless. Syncope (fainting episodes) is one of the consequences of abnormal rhythm. The rhythm causes deficiencies in blood supply to the brain every so often hence the fainting. The pacer helps to maintain a constant supply of blood. Other indications include congestive cardiac failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The decision to have the device placed is usually made by a cardiologist. This is done after they evaluate the patient by taking a clinical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for a number of investigations such as the electrocardiogram and the echocardiogram. Once the criteria has been met and one has been considered a suitable candidate the procedure is scheduled. Drugs likely to cause bleeding are to be avoided for a couple of days.
The procedure used to insert the pacer is fairly simple. Local or general anesthesia are usually used for the management of pain. Once the anesthesia has been administered, a small cut is made on an area on the shoulder to be used for the insertion. Once in place, leads are directed to the heart under the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. The entire surgery takes an average of thirty to ninety minutes.
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.
One needs to have regular medical checkups so as to determine whether the device is functioning properly. The frequency varies from one patient to another but the general recommendation is that the first full checkup should be scheduled at six weeks after the operation. Subsequent checkups are then scheduled at six months intervals except in cases where complications are anticipated. The main parameters to be evaluated include the sensing ability, the threshold and the lead integrity.
There is no need to change lifestyle dramatically after this surgery. However, some precautions should be undertaken to avoid interfering with the functioning of the device. One of the things that need to be avoided is a strong magnetic field. Such may exist in MRI machines that are used to generate radiological images. Strong contact sports should also be avoided due to the risk of mechanical damage to the device.
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 main indication of heart pacers in Princeton, NJ is to rectify abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The other benefits are secondary but beneficial nonetheless. Syncope (fainting episodes) is one of the consequences of abnormal rhythm. The rhythm causes deficiencies in blood supply to the brain every so often hence the fainting. The pacer helps to maintain a constant supply of blood. Other indications include congestive cardiac failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The decision to have the device placed is usually made by a cardiologist. This is done after they evaluate the patient by taking a clinical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for a number of investigations such as the electrocardiogram and the echocardiogram. Once the criteria has been met and one has been considered a suitable candidate the procedure is scheduled. Drugs likely to cause bleeding are to be avoided for a couple of days.
The procedure used to insert the pacer is fairly simple. Local or general anesthesia are usually used for the management of pain. Once the anesthesia has been administered, a small cut is made on an area on the shoulder to be used for the insertion. Once in place, leads are directed to the heart under the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. The entire surgery takes an average of thirty to ninety minutes.
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.
One needs to have regular medical checkups so as to determine whether the device is functioning properly. The frequency varies from one patient to another but the general recommendation is that the first full checkup should be scheduled at six weeks after the operation. Subsequent checkups are then scheduled at six months intervals except in cases where complications are anticipated. The main parameters to be evaluated include the sensing ability, the threshold and the lead integrity.
There is no need to change lifestyle dramatically after this surgery. However, some precautions should be undertaken to avoid interfering with the functioning of the device. One of the things that need to be avoided is a strong magnetic field. Such may exist in MRI machines that are used to generate radiological images. Strong contact sports should also be avoided due to the risk of mechanical damage to the device.
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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