Pacemaker Implantation

Implant surgery

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-05 08:18:06

No one other than the implant surgeon can answer this because it varies so much from surgeon to surgeon and also from patient to patient. The best advice that I can give you is to make your wishes and fears known and let him assure you.

I can tell you how mine went but it would freak you out. I had nothing but a local in my shoulder and one in my right leg (pacemaker and AV ablation at the same time). I had no general anesthetic or even as much as mild sedation. I'd been there so many times for ablations, one the month before, that my EP knew I'd have no trouble with the surgery. I was chatting with the EP who did my pacemaker the whole time (my EP was operating the catheters in my leg).

It seems for you,  they're going to give you "twilight sedation", in which you'll technically be conscious but not lucid. They'll probably use propofol, or similar. One of the advantages of propofol is that you won't remember anything.  As for the draping, it's not over your head, rather vertical between your head and shoulders.  they don't want anything that could hinder breathing.

Don't worry, it's a  piece of cake.

conscious sedation

by Tracey_E - 2020-03-05 10:05:50

First of all, when you talk to the anesthesiologist and again when you arrive at the hospital, let them know you are nervous. They can usually start the good stuff as soon as the iv is in and the paperwork is signed. 

It sounds like they will use conscious sedation which means you will not be all the way unconscious but won't remember anything. This is much better than general anesthesia! We are still breathing on our own so no need for a breathing tube, no side effects after like nausea, no lingering drowsiness. As soon as they reverse it, we are awake. I've had both and conscious sedation is by far the easier. 

coverage

by Violet West - 2020-03-05 12:02:56

It's okay to be nervous.  Mention it not just to the anesthesiologist, but to the nurses who will prep you.  When I had my PM and AV Node ablation, they put me under conscious sedation, which just makes you not remember.  

However, for that procedure in particular, I was suprised at the amount of -- padding, taping, draping, etc. they did.  It took a while, and it was more than the previous two cardiac ablations I had. They did put some kind of drape over my head, which was uncomfortable for a bit, but you don't want your face covered in blood either.  Just try to relax and realize that you won't care once the drugs hit.  

If you are claustrophobic or prone to panic attacks, it's something to discuss with your doctor beforehand.  One time in the hospital they put me in the hyperbaric oxygen "submarine" (which is an actual submarine) and they had to remove me because I did have a panic attack.  Don't want that again! But the draping during the PM procedure is not nearly as bad. 

Good drugs

by Theknotguy - 2020-03-05 19:10:52

I had the lens replacement surgery on my eyes due to starburst cataracts.  They can give you some really good drugs and believe me, you won't care what they are going to do.  

Talk with the doctor's office to let them know about your anxiety.  They should be able to make sure you won't have problems.  

Hopefully, when you show up, they give you this little cup with a pill, you take it with a little water, wait 20 minutes and you won't care what they are going to do.  They can tell you they're going to cut off your right arm and right leg at the same time and it won't phase you in the least. 

Hope everything goes well.  
 

PM surgery

by permkassen - 2020-03-16 06:55:24

Hi, had my PM a month ago under local. I was very anxious and worried but went on well after a hour I was done. The pressure the DOC puts onto the would is uncomfortable but wat I asked for was to hold on to a nursing staff's hand to comfort me so when pressure was applied I just concentrated on sweezing the hand. Hope it helps