Pacer Implantation

A pacemaker is a treatment for dangerously slow heart beat. A slow heart rate or heart block can cause symptoms of weakness, confusion, dizziness, fainting shortness of breath and death. Having a pacemaker implanted is a minor surgical procedure. It is preformed with mild sedation and local anesthetic.

Pre and post instructions

Pre instructions:

Lab work will need to be drawn several days prior to procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before.
Take no medications the morning of procedure.
You need someone to drive you home or make arrangements for transportation.
Wear clothing that is easy to get off/on.
Do not wear any jewelry.

Post procedure:

You may be able to be discharge that day from the hospital.
Pain at the incisional site is usually mild and transient and usually responds to Tylenol. However, you may be given a prescription for a mild pain reliever.
You may not shower for 48 hours after the procedure and you need to keep it clean and dry.
Avoid excessively exerting the arm on the side to the pacer insertion for six weeks.
Regular checks will be needed for your device at your pacer clinic.

What to expect:

An IV will be started for fluids and medications. A mild sedative will be given through the IV per an anesthesiologist. You will also have adhesive skin electrodes applied to the chest and then attached to a heart monitor.

It is performed with mild sedation and local anesthetic. A 2-inch incision is made under the collarbone. The pacer wires are then inserted into a vein and advanced through that vein under fluoroscopic guidance into the heart. The other end of the pacer wire is then attached to the generator that is implanted under the skin at the incision site. The site is then sutured or surgical glue will be used to close the incision.

Call for an appointment: 941-359-8900