Types of Pacemakers

  • Single chamber pacemaker:

    stimulates one chamber of the heart, usually the right ventricle. A single chamber pacemaker is mainly used in people who have a permanently irregular heart rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation- AF) but can be used in other circumstances.

  • Dual chamber pacemaker: stimulates both the right atrium and right ventricle to coordinate timing between chambers

Types of Pacemakers

  • Single chamber pacemaker: stimulates one chamber of the heart, usually the right ventricle
  • Dual chamber pacemaker: stimulates both the right atrium and right ventricle to coordinate timing between chambers

Why Might I Need a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker may be recommended if you have:

  • Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Heart block
  • Fainting or dizziness due to rhythm disturbances
  • Fatigue caused by slow heart rhythm

What Happens During Implantation?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. Leads (wires) are guided through a vein into the heart, and the pacemaker device is implanted under the skin below the collarbone.

The device is then tested and programmed to suit your individual heart rhythm needs.

Recovery

Most patients go home within 24 hours and return to normal activities within a few weeks, with guidance provided on arm movement and device care. You cannot drive for a few days after pacemaker insertion, please ask your consultant about timing and regulations

Follow-up of pacemakers

Often you will have one on-site check after pacemaker insertion. You will then need follow-up of your pacemaker at least once a year to monitor batter life and function. In most cases you will be given a remote monitoring device and your pacemaker talks to a station in your home, via Bluetooth, and this is used to check the function of your device and it’s battery life by our Cardiac Rhythm Management team. Please note most insurance companies do not cover the cost of remote monitoring. This can be done on the NHS where any abnormalities are usually discussed with the resident doctor on call and most do not need escalating to a consultant. However, if you want a more bespoke private remote monitoring service, with more frequent downloads and direct contact with our rhythm team analysts, you usually need to pay for this yourself. The differences between NHS and private monitoring of your device will be fully explained at the time you have your device implanted and you will then be asked to sign a consent for which service you would rather have.

Battery life of pacemakers

The battery life of pacemakers depends on their usage, which varies from person to person. In most cases even with very heavy use a pacemaker battery lasts 6-15 years, your annual checks will monitor battery life and a change of the pacemaker device is scheduled with 6 months to one year of batter left, so you need never worry about the battery life. Please see the page: SINGLE AND DUAL CHAMBER PACEMAKER BOX CHANGE

Pacemaker Problems

Most problems with pacemaker function are detected by the pacemaker checks. However, occasionally pacemakers are uncomfortable and can need repositioning and information of this can be found on: RE-SITING OF PACEMAKER OR ICD. Occasionally if checks identify a problem with one or more of the leads then replacement of a pacing lead may be needed and information of this can be found on: LEAD REPLACEMENT FOR PACEMAKER OR ICD

 

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