Q: 8) Do's and Don'ts after pacemaker surgery?

Do’s Patients with a pacemaker should always carry their Patient Identification Card at all times The identification card carries important information like the type of pacemaker, and in an emergency, this card will give the doctor critical data that could save the patient’s life Follow the doctor’s instructions for returning to normal activities When traveling, the person with a pacemaker should always inform the security staff about the device in advance as it may trigger an alarm When walking through security gates, the person with a pacemaker should never allow the security personnel to place the scanner over the pacemaker. The Patient Identity Card comes handy in such situations. When going for any other treatment, the patient should always inform the treating doctor about the pacemaker. Don’ts People having a pacemaker should not venture into rough contact sports like boxing and rugby. People with a pacemaker that is not MRI compatible should avoid proximity with magnetic devices such as MRI scanners. The electromagnetic signals of cellular phones can interfere with the proper functioning of the device, hence people with the device should avoid carrying it in the pocket over the pacemaker. After getting a pacemaker, patients should avoid getting heat therapy The strenuous repetitive upper-body workout may affect the pacemaker or the leads, hence it is better to avoid them The doctors advise the patient not to play with or move the pacemaker under the skin The patient with a pacemaker should avoid lifting, stretching and sudden jerky movements for some weeks after the implant

Question 1

1) What is a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

A pacemaker is a small electrical device which is fitted in the chest or abdomen and is used to treat some abnormal heart rhythms that can cause your heart to either beat too slowly or miss beats. Some pacemakers can also help the chambers of the heart to beat in time. Each time the heart beats, the heart muscle contracts in preparation for pumping blood around the body, and these contractions are triggered by electrical pulses that are generated by a group of specialized cells known as the sinoatrial node (SA node) which is often referred to as a natural pacemaker because it generates a series of electrical pulses at regular intervals. A pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is implanted when something disrupts this process and causes an abnormal heartbeat, arrhythmia.

Question 2

2) What is pacemaker surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pacemaker surgery is a procedure performed to implant pacemaker in the chest or abdomen. It does not require open heart surgery, and most people go home within twenty-four hours. Before the surgery, medication may be given to make the patient sleepy and comfortable, and generally, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Question 3

3) Does it hurt after the procedure?

Accepted Answer

You may feel some amount of pain or discomfort during the first forty-eight hours after having a pacemaker fitted, and you'll be given pain-relieving medication. There may also be some bruising where the pacemaker was inserted, and the bruising usually passes within a few days. You should tell the staff if your symptoms are persistent.

Question 4

4) What are the types of pacemakers?

Accepted Answer

Single chamber pacemaker is a type of pacemaker that usually carries electrical impulses from the pulse generator to the right ventricle of the heart.

Dual chamber pacemaker is a pacemaker that carries electrical impulses from the pulse generator to both the right ventricle and the right atrium of the heart. These impulses help regulate the timing of contractions between the two chambers.

A biventricular pacemaker is a treatment option for people with heart failure whose hearts electrical systems have been degraded. Unlike a regular pacemaker, a biventricular pacemaker stimulates both of the lower chambers of the heart to make the heart beat more efficiently. A biventricular pacemaker paces both ventricles so that all or most of the ventricular muscle pumps together, allowing your heart to pump blood more effectively. It's also referred to as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as it resets the ventricles pumping mechanism.

Question 5

5) Pacemaker surgery risks?

Accepted Answer

Issues from having surgery to implant your pacemaker are rare but could include:

Infection where the pacemaker was implanted
Allergic reaction to the dye or anesthesia
Swelling, bruising or bleeding at the generator site
Damage to your nerves or blood vessels near the pacemaker
Collapsed lung

Question 6

6) When can I leave the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Most people are able to go home on the same day they have the implant. Occasionally, some people stay a day or two in the hospital, but before going home, you'll be given a pacemaker registration card, which has the details of the make and model of your pacemaker, so you should always carry the card with you in case of an emergency. You may also wear a bracelet or necklace engraved with important information on the type of pacemaker you have, a personal identification number and a 24-hour emergency phone number.

Question 7

7) Will I be able to feel or notice the pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to feel the pacemaker and it may feel uncomfortable when you lie in certain positions, but like most people, you'll soon get used to it. And also modern pacemakers are now so small that they're almost completely hidden by the chest tissue and rarely draw any notice.

Question 8

8) Do's and Don'ts after pacemaker surgery?

Accepted Answer

Do’s

Patients with a pacemaker should always carry their Patient Identification Card at all times
The identification card carries important information like the type of pacemaker, and in an emergency, this card will give the doctor critical data that could save the patient’s life
Follow the doctor’s instructions for returning to normal activities
When traveling, the person with a pacemaker should always inform the security staff about the device in advance as it may trigger an alarm
When walking through security gates, the person with a pacemaker should never allow the security personnel to place the scanner over the pacemaker. The Patient Identity Card comes handy in such situations.
When going for any other treatment, the patient should always inform the treating doctor about the pacemaker.

Don’ts

People having a pacemaker should not venture into rough contact sports like boxing and rugby.
People with a pacemaker that is not MRI compatible should avoid proximity with magnetic devices such as MRI scanners.
The electromagnetic signals of cellular phones can interfere with the proper functioning of the device, hence people with the device should avoid carrying it in the pocket over the pacemaker.
After getting a pacemaker, patients should avoid getting heat therapy
The strenuous repetitive upper-body workout may affect the pacemaker or the leads, hence it is better to avoid them
The doctors advise the patient not to play with or move the pacemaker under the skin
The patient with a pacemaker should avoid lifting, stretching and sudden jerky movements for some weeks after the implant

Question 9

9) How soon will I be back to normal?

Accepted Answer

You should be back to your usual self, or even better, very quickly after the procedure.

Question 10

10) When can I exercise or play sports again?

Accepted Answer

You should avoid exhausting activities for around four to six weeks after having your pacemaker fitted; after this, you should be able to do most activities and sports.

Question 11

11) How can I care for my wound?

Accepted Answer

Don't get your wound wet until your stitches have been taken out, and after that, you should avoid wearing anything that rubs against the area of your wound, such as bands.

Question 12

12) What check-ups will I need?

Accepted Answer

You'll usually have your pacemaker checked after four to six weeks at the hospital where it was fitted. If these checks are satisfactory, you'll have your pacemaker checked every three to twelve months.

Question 13

13) What problems should I look out for?

Accepted Answer

Signs that your pacemaker isn't operating as it should or you have developed an infection or blood clot include:

breathlessness
dizziness
fainting
prolonged weakness
a swollen arm near the pacemaker
chest pains
prolonged hiccups
a high temperature of 38C or above
Swelling, pain, and redness at the site of the pacemaker.

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