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Pacemakers

A pacemaker is a small implanted device that assists your heart. This is offered when your heart requires support with its electrical function or pump function.

A pacemaker is a small slim metal box connected to your heart by wires (leads) and implanted under the skin in your upper chest, near to your collar bone.

A pacemaker can be offered with one, two or three leads.

A traditional pacemaker for a slow heart rate will consist of one or two leads placed in the right side of your heart. This works by sending an impulse to stimulate your heart beat and prevent your pulse rate slowing.

You may require a more advanced type of pacemaker commonly known as a biventricular pacemaker. This may require you to have two or three leads.  This will help restore your heart by improving the pump function. It does this by coordinating and resynchronizing the lower chambers of your heart. You will have been offered this to improve symptoms of breathlessness and restore your energy level.

If you require a three lead pacemaker one lead will be placed in the top right chamber of your heart (right atria), one lead will be placed on the right lower chamber (ventricle) and the third lead will be placed within the left side of your heart via a vein.


Pre-admission

  • After being listed for the procedure, you may be asked to attend Outpatient Department to discuss your admission to this hospital.
     
  • At this appointment you will be seen by a Clinical Nurse Practitioner who will check that you are fit for your procedure and will provide you with important information about coming into hospital.
     
  • You can eat and drink as normal prior to this appointment. You may bring a family member or friend if you wish.


On the day of your procedure

  • You may be asked to report to Holly Suite where the team will be expecting you.
     
  • If your procedure is scheduled to take place in the morning please arrive by 8am.
     
  • Please do not have anything to eat after midnight.
     
  • You may drink water only until 6am on the day of your planned procedure.
     
  • If your procedure is scheduled to take place in the afternoon please arrive at approximately 11am. 
     
  • You may have a light breakfast at 6.00 a.m. You may continue to drink water only, up to 10am.

Immediately after your procedure

  • Wound care
    • It is important to keep your wound clean and dry after the procedure. You can have a shower but please do not soak in the bath until the wound is healed.
       
  •  Mobility
    • It is advised to rest your arm (on the side of the device) for two days for your own comfort and then to start mobilizing as usual. It is recommended that you avoid very expansive arm movements (e.g. golf swing) for at least 4-6 weeks following implant. Please see the cardiac rehabilitation section for more information about exercise.
       
  • Driving