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Please explain the implantation of pace maker

2 Comments

video

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-30 05:09:11

This page has a good video on how it's put in and how it works
http://health.sjm.com/arrhythmia-answers/treatment-options.aspx

Fairly straightforward

by Edouard - 2010-10-01 10:10:21

Hi Raja
I am a 58 year-old physically active male who underwent PM implantation in May 2010 following a syncope due to Sick Sinus. I had been suffering from Bradycardia for some 3 years prior and had passed out on occasion. This last episode resulted in substantial damage to my face and ribs. I was admitted on the Friday evening of a long weekend. As a result, my operation took place only on the following Tuesday. I met with a bunch of doctors and they went out of their way to reassure me, although I wasn't all that nervous.
On the day of the procedure, I was not fed. A nurse shaved my upper torso, including my armpits (groan). I was then wheeled down for an echocardiogram. After that, I was brought back to my room for an hour or two. Then, I was transferred to a gurney and brought down to pre-op. There were three or four patients who were either waiting for their procedure or had just undergone one. It was a quiet room, almost zen-like. After about 20 minutes, I met the surgical team, including my surgeon, a young kid just out of kindergarden. This was essentially my only negative experience: she insisted that my swimming days were over, despite all the assurances I had gotten from the rest of the staff I had met over the previous three days. I insisted that she check and she reluctantly went to speak to her supervisor. As a result, she told me she would change the procedure from a sub-clavian implantation to a cephalic vein entry.
I was taken to the operating room. They placed me on the table and wrapped sheets around my arms so I couldn't move. It wasn't stressful or uncomfortable. They put a canula in my nostrils so I could breathe and then placed a sheet over my head. I was given relaxants and pain killers, but no general anesthesia. I was awake through the whole procedure. No pain or discomfort. I just felt noticeable pressure as the surgeon pushed the PM in to the pocket. The general atmosphere was quiet and professional throughout.
Following the insersion, they proceeded to program and test the unit. After they finished, they wheeled me back into pre-op where I waited a few minutes before taking me back to the room. The procedure had taken a bit over an hour. The staff waited about an hour to check for adverse reactions and then brough me some food (I was so hungry - I never thought hospital food could taste so good!).
I was released 24 hours later. No major pain during the next few days. I just favoured my left arm. My wife removed my bandage the following week. I resumed swimming after 6 weeks and now, my life is basically back to normal.
All in all, I think everything went quite well. I wish you the same. Best of luck and regards
Edouard

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