Anesthesia for PM wearers, how does that work?

I have bradycardia and several other conditions. No PM yet, but may get one in early 2016. Other conditions will require surgery under general anesthesia. I'm assuming I will get a PM before undergoing any other surgery.

What I want to know is: what happens when a PM wearer undergoes general anesthesia? Does the heart continue to pump at a rate set by the PM? Or does the anesthesia make the heart rate slow down despite the PM? Is a larger dose of anesthesia required to when the patient wears a PM?

Thanks in advance!

4 Comments

anesthesia

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-12 02:01:54

If you need general anesthesia, they will bring in someone from the pacemaker manufacturer to monitor the pacer. They set it in the mode that it paces at a steady rate, like 60, for the duration of the surgery. Just make sure the anesthesiologist knows about the pacer and talks to your cardiologist. It's not a big deal, but it's an extra step.

The heart will always pump at the minimum rate set by the pm. It can go faster on its own, but nothing will override the pacing and let you get lower than your minimum rate.

Not too sure but...

by chatterbox3110 - 2016-01-12 07:01:24

I'm due for major surgery for skin removal this year, and it was discovered I had SSS (sinus bradycardia) whilst tests were being done. My pacemaker was put in in November as my cardiologist said without it no anaesthetist would touch me with a beat of 45. It's now set at 60.

From what I can remember the PM will ensure that during surgery my pulse won't drop below 60, anything else perhaps the anaesthetist will have control of. It's something I'm going to try to discuss with my cardiologist later today, if I find out more I'll update you.

it'll keep running @ min.

by techiej - 2016-01-12 09:01:23

Unless they purposely turn if down/off (not likely) you will continue to pace at your minimum setting.

While it should be obvious to your docs, remind everyone about your PM - I've had several procedures the past few years and always reminded the surgeons, nurses and anesthesialogists of my conditions, allergies, etc. - anyone who was going to do something to me or give me a med or IV change was reminded -- it saved me from at least one nasty allergic response in the process.

Anesthesia

by Good Dog - 2016-01-12 12:01:36

I assume you are speaking of a PM change-out? There is no real impact on your heart or the surgery or the amount of anesthesia. Generally, the doc makes the switch of the wires quickly enough that you hardly skip a beat. But not to worry, they always check for an escape rhythm before doing anything. So if your heart rate drops in the 20's or 30's for a minute or two it is no big deal. Additionally, they always have a temporary external pacemaker on-hand, which they can use as necessary.

I had a shoulder replacement surgery five years ago. It is a very long surgery and my pacemaker had no impact on the surgery. As a matter-of-fact, I think that the PM gave the docs a greater sense of security in maintaining my heart rate.

David

You know you're wired when...

You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.