A pacemaker is a device consisting of a generator (which includes the “computer” and battery) and one or more leads (or electrodes). The electrode is implanted inside the heart and connects to the generator, informing the generator of what is happening in the heart. When it detects a bradycardia (slowing of the heart rate) the generator sends an electrical impulse that causes the heart to beat.
The pacemaker is recommended for patients with a low heart rate (less than 50 bpm) in whom there is also a pathology of the conduction system and/or who are symptomatic. The most frequent symptoms are dizziness, fainting (syncope), general tiredness and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Types of pacemakers
There are several modalities with 1, 2 or 3 electrodes (resynchronizers), in addition to automatic implantable defibrillators. Each model is adapted to the type of patient and his or her underlying pathology, so that the contraction of the heart rhythm is as natural as possible.
Normally the pacemaker battery lasts between 5 and 10 years, depending on the “use” of the pacemaker. Thus, a patient who depends completely on the pacemaker to keep his heart beating will use more battery life than another patient in whom the pacemaker only works occasionally, when there is a failure of the isolated conduction system of the heart.
Risks
It is usually a relatively simple procedure, with local anesthesia and a very rapid recovery. As with all interventions there is some risk of damage to the vein through which the electrode is inserted, infection of the electrode, or arrhythmias, but serious complications usually occur in less than 1% of cases.