How does a pacemaker work?
How does a pacemaker work?
A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the body to control abnormal heart rhythms. It is a sophisticated electronic device that analyzes the heart’s electrical activity. When necessary, the pacemaker sends precisely timed electrical pulses to the heart muscle to correct abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm.
A pacemaker consists of a battery to provide power, a generator and electrodes (leads). The generator and the battery are sealed together and housed in a titanium container. Usually, the battery lasts for about 5 to 8 years. The lead is an insulated electrical wire connecting the pacemaker with the heart. One end of this wire is attached to the generator while the other end is inserted into a vein in the heart. Modern pacemakers make use of two leads. One lead is inserted into the right atrium while the other is inserted into the right ventricle.
The pacemaker is implanted surgically by making an incision in the chest region. It is done under local anesthesia and the procedure usually takes less than 45 minutes. After the pacemaker is implanted, it has to be programmed. Pacemakers are programmed non-invasively with the help of a handheld device which communicates with the pacemaker through the skin. Pacemakers can be reprogrammed whenever there is need.
Patients implanted with pacemakers can lead ordinary lives. However, some precautions should be taken. For example, it is advised to maintain suitable from equipment like arc welding equipment because the powerful magnetic field that they generate may interfere with the working of the pacemaker. Similarly, cell phones can also interfere with the pacemaker and so it is advised to keep them at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker. MRI scanning on patients implanted with pacemakers can be dangerous. Other medical procedures that can damage the pacemaker are lithotripsy and radiation therapy.
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