Pacemaker implantation
A pacemaker is used to help treat irregular or slow heart rhythms (bradycardia).
Implanted under the skin of the chest a pacemaker is a small medical device that helps manage irregular or slow heart rhythms (bradycardia). One or more leads are attached to the pacemaker that can deliver electrical impulses from the pacemaker to the heart.
A pacemaker works by sensing an individual's own heart rate and when it determines that this rate is too slow, stimulates the heart to beat. This will keep the heart rate at or above the programmed rate of the pacemaker device. The aim of pacemaker therapy is to reduce or eliminate symptoms caused by bradycardia and pauses.
Other heart rhythm disorders may require more specialized implantable cardiac devices like biventricular pacemakers (CRT or cardiac re-synchronisation pacemakers) or ICDs (internal cardioverter defibrillators). It is a very similar procedure to having a standard pacemaker implanted.