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Pacemaker Implantation

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A pacemaker inclusion is the implantation of a little electronic gadget that is typically positioned in the chest (just beneath the collarbone) to assist with directing lethargic electrical issues with the heart. A pacemaker might be suggested toensure that the heartbeat doesn't ease back to a perilously low rate.

A pacemaker is composed of three parts: a pulse generator, one or more leads, and an electrode on each lead. A pacemaker signals the heart to beat when the heartbeat is too slow or irregular.

Some examples of heart rate and rhythm problems for which a pacemaker might be inserted include:

Bradycardia. This occurs when the sinus node causes the heart to beat too slowly.
Tachy-brady syndrome. This is characterized by alternating fast and slow heartbeats.
Heart block. This occurs when the electrical signal is delayed or blocked after leaving the SA node; there are several types of heart blocks.

Pacemaker precautions

Always carry an ID card that states you have a pacemaker. In addition, you may want to wear a medical identification bracelet indicating that you have a pacemaker.
Let screeners know you have a pacemaker before going through airport security detectors. In general airport detectors are safe for pacemakers, but the small amount of metal in the pacemaker and leads may set off the alarm. If you are selected for additional screening by hand-held detector devices, politely remind the screeners that the detector wand should not be held over your pacemaker for longer than a few seconds, as these devices contain magnets and thus may affect the function or programming of your pacemaker.
You may not have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure (unless you have a specially designed pacemaker). You should also avoid large magnetic fields such as power generation sites and industrial sites such as automobile junkyards that use large magnets.
Turn off large motors, such as cars or boats, when working close to them as they may create a magnetic field.
Avoid high-voltage or radar machinery, such as radio or television transmitters, electric arc welders, high-tension wires, radar installations, or smelting furnaces.
If you are having a surgical procedure performed, inform your surgeon that you have a pacemaker well before the operation. Also ask your cardiologist's advice on whether anything special should be done prior to and during the surgery, as the electrocautery device that controls bleeding may interfere with the pacemaker. Sometimes the pacemaker's programming will be temporarily changed (using a magnet) during the surgery to minimize the possibility of interference from the electrocautery.