SHIHWA MEDICAL CENTER

Pacemaker Clinic

At the pacemaker clinic, Shihwa Medical Center, we provide preemptive treatment for patients whose heart rate has been abnormally slow due to bradyarrhythmia so that their heart can beat properly.

In addition, it improves the quality of life by systematically managing the problems that may occur in patients with a pacemaker that can be used until the battery dies.

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is inserted into a patient who complains of fainting or dizziness due to the slowing of the heart rate to maintain its normal rate.

A permanent pacemaker is used as the ultimate treatment method when arrhythmias cause life-threatening symptoms such as fainting or blackout. The electric generator and leads are implanted into the atrium or ventricle, and they can be used until the battery is exhausted.

Pacemaker procedure

The site where the pacemaker will be inserted is disinfected and a subclavian vein is punctured to insert leads into the atrium or ventricle. Then, the leads are connected to a pacemaker called generator and the skin is sutured. The time for the procedure may vary slightly, but it takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Usually, electrical leads are inserted into the atrium and ventricle through the left subclavian vein, and the pacemaker is inserted and connected to the leads.
Chest X-ray is performed after pacemaker insertion.

Bradyarrhythmia

In bradyarrhythmias, the heart rate decreases (less than 50 beats per minute), which reduces the amount of oxygen supplied by the blood to the brain and vital organs, resulting in lethargy, fatigue, decreased exercise capacity, and shortness of breath. Although the causes are very diverse, aging is considered an important cause. Bradyarrhythmias may also occur if you are taking beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, which are high blood pressure drugs, or if you have a heart disease such as myocardial infarction or heart failure. It is often mistaken for anemia, hypotension, or lethargy due to simple aging, and a timely treatment is not provided. In severe cases, it can even lead to fainting or death.

Bradyarrhythmia examination

When Bradyarrhythmias appear transiently or sporadically, treadmill test and 24-hour electrocardiogram are performed. Bradyarrhythmias are not suitable for drug treatment and pacemaker implantation is an option in consideration of the symptoms and frequency.

Precautions

Before the procedure
Prophylactic antibiotics are administered before the procedure to prevent infection.
Since a contrast agent is used to check the condition of veins and blood vessels, fasting is needed for about 6 hours.
Aspirin or anticoagulants should be stopped 3 to 4 days before the procedure and the doctor should be informed.

After the procedure
If palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or recurring symptoms occur before the procedure, the attending physician should be immediately informed.
Lifting heavy objects or vigorous movements of your arms and shoulders are discouraged within 6 weeks after the procedure.
The pulse needs to be taken every day and your doctor needs to be inform of your heart rate and an irregular or slow rhythm.
Caution is needed as the pacemaker may malfunction within the range of high-voltage current and magnetic force (MRI imaging, etc.).
Batteries are not permanent, so they need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years, and regular checkup is needed with outpatient visits.