Pacemaker Surgery and Its Types: A Comprehensive Overview

Updated at: 22 Apr 2023

Introduction

Pacemakers are tiny, life-saving gadgets implanted in the human body to bring balance to the hearts electrical system. Pacemaker surgery implantation can be a life-saving procedure. But did you know that there is more than one type of heart pacemaker surgery? The basics are generally the same for every form of Pacemaker Surgery. Some distinct differences should be considered when choosing a pacemaker. These modern medical marvels help stabilize abnormal heart rhythms and shield patients from life-threatening complications. So, if you are living with a heart condition, a pacemaker could provide the vital support your heart needs to keep ticking strong. Here we will go over each type of Pacemaker Surgery in detail so you can make an informed decision about your medical treatments.

What are pacemakers?

The pacemaker is implanted in your chest to regulate your heart rhythm. These little lifesavers are inserted via surgery to give a helping hand to the electrical system in your heart. They work tirelessly to keep your heart beating smoothly and prevent potential disruptions that could put your life at risk. With their ability to stabilize abnormal heart rhythms, pacemakers are truly the unsung heroes of the medical world.

The rhythm of your heart

The heart is an incredible organ that keeps us alive. This muscular pump, roughly the size of a fist, has four chambers - two on the left and two on the right. Atria are the upper chambers of the heart, while ventricles are the lower chambers. These chambers work together with the hearts electrical system to keep your ticker beating at a perfect pace. For most adults at rest, that is around 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Now let us talk about the hearts electrical system. A group of cells at the top of the heart, known as the sinus node, kick-starts the rhythm and sends an electrical signal downward. This signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood, keeping our bodies running like well-oiled machines. However, as we age or experience heart muscle damage from a heart attack, certain medications, or genetic conditions, our hearts rhythm can become irregular.

What does a pacemaker do?

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  Your heart beats non-stop, even your sleep. But what happens when the beat slows down? Enter the pacemaker - a tiny device that sends electrical signals to your heart to get it back on the beat. Some of these pacemakers are wonders of technology, with sensors that detect when you are working out or breathing differently. Then it helps to adjust the heart rate accordingly. 

  
  

  A pacemaker is a life-saving device and that pacemaker procedure comes in two parts. 

  The first part is the pulse generator housed in a discreet metal container. This nifty gadget has a battery and contains electrical circuitry responsible for controlling the rate of electrical pulses sent to the heart. 

  The pacemakers second part comprises one to three flexible, insulated wires known as leads. These wires are placed in one or more heart chambers and deliver electrical pulses to adjust the heart rate. Some updated pacemakers never require leads, which significantly improves pacemaker technology. These innovative devices, leadless pacemakers, are implanted directly into the heart muscle.

Types of pacemakers

If you require a pacemaker, various options are available depending on your specific needs.

• One type of leadless pacemaker is small enough to fit inside your heart using a catheter-based procedure. Unlike other pacemakers that require wires, this device is inserted into an inner wall of your heart, which means it is both wire and hassle-free. So if you are looking for a heart helper with a streamlined design, a leadless pacemaker might just be the way to go.

• The second option is the single-chamber pacemaker, which will deliver electrical impulses solely to your right ventricle.

• The third option is the dual-chamber pacemaker, which will provide impulses to the right atrium and ventricle to regulate timing between the two chambers.

• The last option is the Biventricular Pacemaker, also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy! This amazing device is engineered to treat heart failure and remedy heartbeat irregularities. Its unique technology stimulates both the right and left ventricles of the heart, promoting optimal efficiency in a heartbeat rhythm.

Your doctor can help you decide which type of pacemaker is right for you.

Pacemaker procedure

Pacemakers come in many forms, including a leadless variety that uses a minimally invasive catheter-based or surgical-based approach. This advanced pacemaker implantation procedure can help you feel less pain, recover faster, and get back to your life sooner.

●     The catheter-based approach

The catheter-based approach is used with leadless pacemakers that only treat conditions involving a single chamber of your heart. During this pacemaker procedure, a specialist inserts a catheter into an artery near your groin and threads it up to your heart. Once inside, the catheter is attached to the wall of your heart.

●     Transvenous approach

The Transvenous method is a popular approach for adults that involves a talented specialist navigating a small incision to access a vein near your heart. With the help of fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, the lead wires are skillfully threaded through the vein and attached to a point in your heart. The pacemaker device is then secured under the skin of your upper chest for optimal function. This technique ensures an efficient and effective way to maintain your heart health.

●     Surgical approach

Another way is through a surgical approach, which involves a small incision in your chest. The surgeon then inserts the leads through this incision and attaches them to your heart. Once that is done, the pacemaker is inserted into a little pocket under the skin of your abdomen.

Depending on the specific method used, the pacemaker procedure can take a couple of hours or more. But of all the pacemaker implantation procedure, the catheter-based procedure is best, which is quicker and less invasive. But ultimately, your healthcare provider will know which method is best for you and provide all the details you need to make an informed choice.

How can pacemakers be beneficial?

If you want to improve your heart health, then pacemakers may be the solution you are looking for. These devices work to alleviate various symptoms that come with heart rhythm problems, such as chest pain, nausea, and fainting. They can even be life-saving by preventing your heart from stopping altogether. If you want to live your best life and keep your heart in tip-top shape, a pacemaker may be just what the doctor ordered.

Conclusion

Ultimately, pacemaker surgery is a life-changing procedure for many patients. It improves your lifestyle with minimally invasive surgical procedures. Pacemaker implantation has helped countless individuals lead longer and healthier lives. Thanks to these advancements in medical technology of pacemaker implantation procedure, even complex surgeries such as pacemaker surgery are now accessible to those who cannot afford them as much as they used to. Regardless of your situation, Drmdasif is here to provide you with the best quality care and advice tailored to your pacemaker implantation procedure. Talk to our team today to learn more about heart pacemaker surgery cost in Hyderabad, or check out our website for more information.

FAQs

What is the average pacemaker surgery cost in Hyderabad?

As with any medical procedure, the cost can vary depending on many factors, including the hospital, the surgeon, and any additional treatments required. However, based on research, the average pacemaker surgery cost in Hyderabad ranges between INR 1,50,000 to INR 4,50,000. Quality of care, experience, and reputation should also be considered. With a little research and due diligence, you can find a qualified surgeon who can provide expert care at a reasonable cost.

What is the shelf life of your pacemaker or ICD?

Most devices should last 5 to 7 years before requiring a battery or pulse generator replacement. Do not fret, though the procedure is usually quick and easy, and you may not even need to stay overnight in the hospital.

How long do pacemaker wires last?

The wires used in traditional pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators have 10-15 years of lifespan. After that, the device has to be replaced. It is amazing that these tiny wires are so important to our heart health and can last so long inside our bodies.

Is pacemaker maintenance necessary?

These incredible pacemaker devices are built to last. They do require some TLC to make it past the five-year mark. Keeping your pacemaker in shape and the battery charged could make all the difference in preventing complications.

 After a pacemaker, what are the risks?

Receiving a pacemaker comes with some risks. These risks could include infection near the implantation site in your heart, swelling, bruising, bleeding at the pacemaker site (especially if you take blood thinners), and blood clots near the device.