A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps your heart beat in a regular rhythm. Some are permanent (internal) and some are temporary (external).
When do I need a pacemaker?
Your doctor may place a permanent pacemaker under the skin of your chest, usually just below your collarbone, if you h
ave:
- A too-fast or too-slow heartbeat.
- An irregular heartbeat.
- A blockage of you heart's electrical pathways.
- You may need only a temporary pacemaker, such as after a heart attack. The battery unit for this type can often be worn on a belt.
How does a pacemaker work?
- A pacemaker uses batteries to send electrical impulses to your heart to help it pump properly. An electrode is placed next to your heart wall. Small electrical charges travel through the wire to your heart.
- Most pacemakers have a sensing device that turns itself off when your heart is above a certain level. It turns back on when your heartbeat is too slow. These are called demand pacemakers.
Pacemaker Implant Incision Care
You have had a permanent pacing system implanted.
The incision site is closed with dissolvable stitches, which means you do not have the stitches removed. At either end of the incision, there may be knots or loops under the skin. These need to be lifted and clipped by your family doctor at one week.
Over the skin site is a protective dressing. The large dressing is to come off TWO days after your surgery. There may be 7-10 skin tapes over the incision. These need to be removed in one week. The narrow skin tapes may be removed after seven days (some may fall off before this due to body movement).
You may shower 48 hours after your implant letting water run over your incision. Pat the area dry. We do not recommend a tub bath until after your incision is well healed (about one week to 10 days from the time of implant).
It is best to keep the incision open to air to speed the healing process. If you find that your clothing is irritating to the site, cover the incision with a light clean gauze dressing.
Bruising around the incision will gradually fade away. The incision site may still be tender for up to three months. If you notice new redness, swelling or discharge from or around the incision, or if you develop a fever, please contact your family physician. If it is the weekend, please go to your local Emergency Department or Medicenter.
For the first six weeks, it is best not to over extend the arm closest to the operative site. You may comb your hair, wash your hair, use your arm at shoulder level but avoid full range of motion (e.g.) golfing, swimming, painting or reaching above your head.
General Guidelines After Pacemaker Implant
- Carry your permanent pacemaker card with you at all times. This card identifies the type of pacemaker, lead system and the phone number of the Pacemaker Clinic.
- The purpose of the pacemaker is for the management of SLOW heart rates. It will not prevent the development of fast heart rates nor will it cure other heart problems. You will still need to continue taking the medications prescribed by your doctor.
- If you develop dizzy spells, chest pain or shortness of breath, report this to your family physician or go to the nearest local Emergency Department for immediate assistance.
- If you are seeing a new physician, dentist or physiotherapist, let them know that you have a pacemaker.
- It is safe to use appliances such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and hand electric tools. However, using equipment such as a chain saw or welder or close proximity to heavy motors may interfere with your pacemaker. We recommend that the first time you use the equipment that you have someone else close by to monitor/assist you. Walk through security gates in department stores; do not linger directly between them.
- When using a cell phone, place the receiver on the ear opposite to your pacemaker site. Do not carry the cell phone if your breast pocket if your pacemaker is implanted in the chest region.
Following the initial visits at six weeks and three months, we will schedule appointments either every six months or once a year depending upon the number of leads you have implanted.
Pacemaker Generator Change Incision Care
You have had a pacemaker generator change.
The incision site is closed with dissolvable stitches, which means you do not have the stitches removed. At either end of the incision, there may be knots or loops under the skin. These need to be lifted and clipped by your family doctor at one week.
Over the skin site is a protective dressing. The large dressing is to come off TWO days after your surgery. There may be 7-10 skin tapes over the incision. These need to be removed in one week. Please see your family doctor in one week to assess your incision site and remove the skin tapes.
You may shower 48 hours after your implant letting water run over your incision. Pat the area dry. We do not recommend a tub bath until after your incision is well healed (about one week to 10 days from the time of implant). Have a shower every day.
It is best to keep the incision open to air to speed the healing process. If you find that your clothing is irritating to the site, cover the incision with a light, clean gauze dressing.
Bruising around the incision will gradually fade away. The incision site may still be tender for up to three months. If you notice new redness, swelling or discharge from or around the incision, or if you develop a fever, please contact your family physician. If it is the weekend, please go to your local Emergency Department or Medicentre.
Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
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