The human body is prone to different types of disorders and diseases. To correct these medical issues, humans also have to go through surgeries. The operated patient also has to follow an after-surgery rule section to allow the process to work faster and will enable the patient to heal quicker.
Heart surgery isn't a cakewalk for the patient suffering or the doctors performing the surgery. Hence, one must follow specific rules and regulations after heart surgery to avoid further complications. One of the observed risk factors after heart surgery observed is slower heartbeats. It causes inconvenience to the operated patient and might create a barrier to leading a healthy and hassle-free life.
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is surgically inserted in the chest to prevent slow heartbeats. Electrical signals are sent by the device to the heart to avoid the slow beating of the heart and sync the heartbeats properly. The device is implanted into the chest with the help of pacemaker surgery. It helps maintain the proper blood flow and avoid various other cardiovascular issues. The pacemaker is also known as a cardiac pacing device. The device helps to control the slowed heartbeats and sync them properly with the help of the pulse generators and electrodes.
Steps to Insert a Pacemaker
Insertion of a pacemaker requires full-fledged pacemaker surgery. The surgery involves multiple steps to insert the electrical device carefully to regulate the heartbeats properly. Mentioned below are the steps followed during pacemaker surgery:
- The patient to the operated is asked empty the bladder completely before the procedure.
- Excess hair in the area of surgery is removed to perform the surgery neatly.
- An intravenous line is introduced in the patient's hand or arm to insert IV fluids and other required medicines.
- The patient is connected to an electrocardiogram monitor to keep track of the electrical activity of the heart. The monitor indicated vital signs of the functioning of the heart efficiently, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygenation level.
- Electrode pads are placed on the front and back of the chest.
- A sedative is released in the IV before the procedure to help relax the patient gradually.
- A local anaesthetic is inserted in the area of the pacemaker surgery to be performed.
- A small incision under a collarbone places an introducer directly into the blood vessel.
- The introducer has a lead wire inside it to advance it directly into the heart.
- The lead wire is carefully inserted through the blood vessel into the heart.
- Once the lead wire is inserted in the heart, a proper location for its functioning is tested.
- After this process, the pacemaker generator slowly slips under the skin through the incision.
- Proper functioning of the machine is observed after the procedure with the help of an electrocardiogram.
- The incision is closed with the help of a sterile bandage or a proper dressing.
Benefits of a Pacemaker
- Regulated heartbeat- A pacemaker helps to regulate slowed heartbeats. It also helps pump blood into the body properly and allows proper heart and brain function. It also helps to avoid issues like shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness.
- Proper flow of blood- A pacemaker helps to regulate the slowed heartbeats. Hence, the procedure allows the adequate flow of blood to the heart. However, ceased functioning of the heart might lead to multiple cardiovascular and neurological issues.
- Avoid Uncomfortable Symptoms- Improper blood flow into the body can be identified through symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, and uneasy breathing. A pacemaker helps regulates proper blood flow to avoid all these symptoms.
Possible Risks of Inserting a Pacemaker
- Blood Clots- Many times, blood clots are observed after pacemaker surgery. It can be found in the area where the pacemaker is fitted. It can be treated with the help of medication. The medication also helps to prevent the clot from getting more significant.
- Pacemaker Infection- In the case of pacemaker surgery, sometimes an infection is found in the operated patient. The disease can be identified by symptoms like high fever, headache, redness and itching in the area where the pacemaker is placed. The medical issue is treated with the help of proper medications and the replacement of the machine.
- Leakage of Air- The pacemaker wires inserted are close to the lungs. These wires can accidentally puncture the lungs if they are in close contact with them. The puncture is minor and heals with time without any medical treatment.
- Improper functioning of the device- A pacemaker is an electrical machine. A machine is prone to issues. Hence the pacemaker can also crop up with some problems over time. Issues like:
The lead can be pulled off from its original position.
- Failure of the pulse generator battery
- Failure of the pacemaker circuit
- Improper programming of the device
Cost of Pacemaker in India
India has now become a hub of major and complicated surgeries. Experienced doctors, advanced medical facilities, and complete guidance are some essential factors that attract people worldwide to get major surgeries done in India. The approximate cost of pacemaker surgery in India can range between INR Rs.40,000 to 55,000. The cost of the surgery also depends upon the criticality of the issue, the present condition of the patient, the type of pacemaker used for the patient, and various other factors.
Wrapping It Up
A pacemaker surgery is placing a pacemaker in the heart to regulate slowed heartbeats. The electronic device is placed inside the heart with the help of surgery. Medical advancements help the patient overcome the possible risk factors of the surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pacemaker
Q. What is pacemaker surgery?
A. A pacemaker surgery involves the insertion of a pacemaker in the heart to regulate slowed heartbeats and also to regulate the flow of blood into the body.
Q, What is the role of a pacemaker?
A. The pacemaker helps to regulate the slowed heartbeats. The device sends electrical signals to the heart once the device senses slower and irregular heartbeats.
Q. What is the approximate cost of pacemaker surgery in India?
A. The cost of a pacemaker surgery depends upon various conditions. The approximate cost of pacemaker surgery in India ranges between INR Rs.40,000 to 55,000.
