Pacemaker Implantation

Pacemakers are devices used to prevent the heart slowing excessively. If a patient has pauses or a slow heartbeat, which often leads to symptoms of fatigue, lack of energy or passing out, a pacemaker may be indicated. A small surgery is required to implant a pacemaker. In the area under the collarbone (usually left), a small incision is made approximately two inches in length. A pocket is created in the skin where the pacemaker is placed. The wires from the pacemaker are floated through the vein under the collarbone down to the heart and attached to various places on the inside of the heart wall. The other end is then attached to the pacemaker and the incision sutured closed. This usually requires a one-night hospital stay for recovery. Pacemaker batteries generally last 5 – 7 years and require a similar surgery to replace the batteries.