Pacemaker Placement and Management
The procedure to implant a pacemaker is usually quick. It does not require open-heart surgery, and most people go home within 24 hours. Before the surgery, medication is usually given to make you sleepy and comfortable. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. A small incision, approximately 2 inches long will be made in the upper chest One or two leads (thin insulated wires) will be guided through a vein into the heart. We then connect the lead(s) to your pacemaker and program the device for your medical needs. Then the pacemaker will be inserted beneath your skin, and the incision in your chest will be closed. After your procedure, we will test the pacemaker to ensure it is working properly to meet your medical needs.
ICD Placement and Management
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion of an electronic device just below the collarbone is used to help regulate potentially fast and life-threatening electrical problems with the heart. An ICD monitors the heart’s electrical activity using wires with electrodes on the end that are placed in specific areas of the heart. The ICD responds to irregular life-threatening heart rhythms from the lower chambers of the heart with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) consisting of low energy impulses to promote a normal heartbeat, or shock therapy with high energy impulses, to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.