The normal heart generates its own rhythm through specialized tissues found at the sinoatrial (SA) node. Electrical impulses from this region are transmitted to the rest of the heart resulting in contraction and relaxation and hence the filling and emptying of this organ with blood. In some cases, the heart is unable to undergo this cycle effectively creating the need for an artificial device or pacemaker.
The main indication of heart pacers in Princeton, NJ is to rectify abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The other benefits are secondary but beneficial nonetheless. Syncope (fainting episodes) is one of the consequences of abnormal rhythm. The rhythm causes deficiencies in blood supply to the brain every so often hence the fainting. The pacer helps to maintain a constant supply of blood. Other indications include congestive cardiac failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The decision to have the device placed is usually made by a cardiologist. This is done after they evaluate the patient by taking a clinical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for a number of investigations such as the electrocardiogram and the echocardiogram. Once the criteria has been met and one has been considered a suitable candidate the procedure is scheduled. Drugs likely to cause bleeding are to be avoided for a couple of days.
The process through which the pacer is inserted is fairly straightforward. Local or general anesthesia are used to minimize the pain. Once the area of interest has been numbed, a small cut is made on an area near the shoulder. The leads are then maneuvered to the heart through the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. This operation takes an average of 30 to 90 minutes. Antibiotics are usually administered to prevent infections.
The surgery is typically performed as a day case in most places. However, one may be admitted to allow for monitoring of the device overnight. If the rate is too high or too low adjustments in frequency may have to be made. Complications may also be identified at this time. They include, for example, bleeding, infections, abnormal rhythms and injuries to the lungs and heart.
Patients should have regular medical checkups. This are meant to help determine if the device is in proper working condition. The first full checkup should be done six weeks after the surgery. Unless complications have been encountered, subsequent checkups are then done after every six months. During the evaluation, a number of parameters have to be assessed. They include the threshold, the lead integrity and pacer sensing ability.
It is not an absolute necessity for one to change their lifestyle after surgery. However, one should take precautions to avoid damaging the device. For example, strong magnetic fields such as those in MRI machines should be avoided. There is also a need to minimize participation in contact sports that may damage the pacer. When undergoing invasive medical procedures, antibiotics should be administered as prophylaxis against infections.
Patients that have a pacer device inserted need to have an identification card with them at all times. This card contains vital personal information including the diagnosis, the cause of their problem and a copy of their electrocardiogram tracing. Other relevant information includes the center in which the operation was conducted, the date in which the pacer was manufactures, its model and lead types. This will make it possible for treatment to be provided in any other hospital.
The main indication of heart pacers in Princeton, NJ is to rectify abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The other benefits are secondary but beneficial nonetheless. Syncope (fainting episodes) is one of the consequences of abnormal rhythm. The rhythm causes deficiencies in blood supply to the brain every so often hence the fainting. The pacer helps to maintain a constant supply of blood. Other indications include congestive cardiac failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The decision to have the device placed is usually made by a cardiologist. This is done after they evaluate the patient by taking a clinical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for a number of investigations such as the electrocardiogram and the echocardiogram. Once the criteria has been met and one has been considered a suitable candidate the procedure is scheduled. Drugs likely to cause bleeding are to be avoided for a couple of days.
The process through which the pacer is inserted is fairly straightforward. Local or general anesthesia are used to minimize the pain. Once the area of interest has been numbed, a small cut is made on an area near the shoulder. The leads are then maneuvered to the heart through the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. This operation takes an average of 30 to 90 minutes. Antibiotics are usually administered to prevent infections.
The surgery is typically performed as a day case in most places. However, one may be admitted to allow for monitoring of the device overnight. If the rate is too high or too low adjustments in frequency may have to be made. Complications may also be identified at this time. They include, for example, bleeding, infections, abnormal rhythms and injuries to the lungs and heart.
Patients should have regular medical checkups. This are meant to help determine if the device is in proper working condition. The first full checkup should be done six weeks after the surgery. Unless complications have been encountered, subsequent checkups are then done after every six months. During the evaluation, a number of parameters have to be assessed. They include the threshold, the lead integrity and pacer sensing ability.
It is not an absolute necessity for one to change their lifestyle after surgery. However, one should take precautions to avoid damaging the device. For example, strong magnetic fields such as those in MRI machines should be avoided. There is also a need to minimize participation in contact sports that may damage the pacer. When undergoing invasive medical procedures, antibiotics should be administered as prophylaxis against infections.
Patients that have a pacer device inserted need to have an identification card with them at all times. This card contains vital personal information including the diagnosis, the cause of their problem and a copy of their electrocardiogram tracing. Other relevant information includes the center in which the operation was conducted, the date in which the pacer was manufactures, its model and lead types. This will make it possible for treatment to be provided in any other hospital.
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