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 primary role of these devices in Princeton, NJ is to normalize the heart rate and rhythm. There are a number of secondary benefits as well. Fainting episodes in persons with heart disease are often treated in this manner. Such episodes result when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Other common indications include congestive heart failure (in cardiac re-synchronization therapy) and heart muscle disease (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 procedure used to insert the pacer is fairly simple. Local or general anesthesia are usually used for the management of pain. Once the anesthesia has been administered, a small cut is made on an area on the shoulder to be used for the insertion. Once in place, leads are directed to the heart under the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. The entire surgery takes an average of thirty to ninety minutes.
The procedure is performed as a day case in most centers but overnight admission to hospital is not uncommon. The admission makes it possible for one to be monitored and to establish whether the device that was fitted is working well. Frequency adjustments are usually made if the rate is either too high or too low. A number of complications should be anticipated. These include infections, bleeding and damage to organs.
You will need to undergo regular medical checkups to establish that indeed the device is working optimally. The frequency of the checkups will vary depending on the condition of the patient. In general, patients have to have the device checked every 6 months. When you go goes for the checkup, a number of parameters are tested. They include the sensing ability, lead integrity and the pacer threshold.
There is no need to change your lifestyle even after placement of the device. However, there are a number of precautions that should be undertaken. For instance, you should avoid taking part in full contact sports as well as any activities in which they are likely to come into contact with strong magnetic fields. There may be a need for antibiotics when some medical conditions are being conducted to prevent infection of the device.
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 primary role of these devices in Princeton, NJ is to normalize the heart rate and rhythm. There are a number of secondary benefits as well. Fainting episodes in persons with heart disease are often treated in this manner. Such episodes result when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Other common indications include congestive heart failure (in cardiac re-synchronization therapy) and heart muscle disease (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 procedure used to insert the pacer is fairly simple. Local or general anesthesia are usually used for the management of pain. Once the anesthesia has been administered, a small cut is made on an area on the shoulder to be used for the insertion. Once in place, leads are directed to the heart under the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. The entire surgery takes an average of thirty to ninety minutes.
The procedure is performed as a day case in most centers but overnight admission to hospital is not uncommon. The admission makes it possible for one to be monitored and to establish whether the device that was fitted is working well. Frequency adjustments are usually made if the rate is either too high or too low. A number of complications should be anticipated. These include infections, bleeding and damage to organs.
You will need to undergo regular medical checkups to establish that indeed the device is working optimally. The frequency of the checkups will vary depending on the condition of the patient. In general, patients have to have the device checked every 6 months. When you go goes for the checkup, a number of parameters are tested. They include the sensing ability, lead integrity and the pacer threshold.
There is no need to change your lifestyle even after placement of the device. However, there are a number of precautions that should be undertaken. For instance, you should avoid taking part in full contact sports as well as any activities in which they are likely to come into contact with strong magnetic fields. There may be a need for antibiotics when some medical conditions are being conducted to prevent infection of the device.
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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