Normal heart electrics and pumping
Your heart has it’s own electrical supply which stimulates the chambers to pump in a co-ordinated way. The current passes from the upper chambers via a circuit called the AV node to the lower chambers, where it then stimulates contraction and pumping of the lower chambers in turn, after pumping of the upper chambers is complete.
Problems with heart electrics and pumping
Problems with the electrics and/or pumping function can develop and the two may be related.
Implantable Loop Recorders (LINQ Reveal Devices)
The LINQ Reveal device is a small implantable cardiac monitor used to record heart rhythm over long periods of time. It is particularly useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not be captured on standard ECG or Holter monitoring. To this: Implantable loop recorders are small implantable cardiac monitors used to record heart rhythm over long periods of time. They are particularly useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not be captured on standard ECG or Holter monitoring. The LINQ Reveal device is the device we most commonly use, but there are other brands.
Pacemakers (Single and Dual Chamber)
A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin and connected to leads in the lower and often upper right heart chambers to help regulate slow or irregular heart rhythms. This often happens when the connection between the upper and lower chambers becomes faulty and complete failure of this can cause blackouts. It sends electrical impulses to the heart when the natural rhythm is too slow or unreliable.
Single and dual chamber pacemaker box change
A pacemaker box change is a straightforward procedure to replace the pulse generator (the device “box”) when the battery reaches the end of its lifespan. The existing leads are usually left in place if they are functioning properly.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator and Cardiac Resynchronisation Pacemaker
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device designed to prevent sudden cardiac death by detecting and treating life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms. It continuously monitors the heart and delivers pacing or shocks if dangerous rhythms are detected. A resynchronisation pacemaker is a procedure where a third lead is paced over the surface of the left pumping chamber (ventricle), in addition to the lead in the right pumping chamber (ventricle) and right upper chamber (atrium). This allows re-synchronisation of the pumping of the two main chambers and can be a very effective treatment for heart failure. It is sometimes combined with a defibrillator.
ICD, S-ICD, CRT-P AND CRT-D Box Change
An ICD box change replaces the pulse generator when the battery reaches the end of its life.
Re-siting of pacemaker or ICD
Re-siting refers to moving an existing pacemaker or ICD device to a new position, usually due to discomfort, infection, skin erosion, or device-related complications.
Lead replacement for pacemaker or ICD
Leads are the wires that connect a pacemaker or ICD to the heart. Lead replacement may be required if a lead becomes damaged, infected or no longer functions properly.
DC cardioversion
DC cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with certain abnormal heart rhythms, most commonly atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or other fast arrhythmias. In most cases External DC cardioversion is done but in a small minority of cases Internal DC cardioversion may be needed.
Medical therapy for heart failure
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood as effectively as it should. Although it is a long-term condition, modern medical treatments can significantly improve symptoms, quality of life and long-term outcomes.
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Please note that with increased demand, and long NHS waits, our services and office are under more demand than ever. As a result our staff are exceptionally busy and often working under great pressure.