The Pacemaker Implant ProcedureFishing gives Donald Williams a sense of peace. So, does the knowledge that his abnormal heart rhythm is undercontrol thanks to a pacemaker… a device that helps his heart beat normally. For Donald, the process of implantingthe pacemaker in his chest wasn’t a big deal.“For me, this was all a new experience. Less a scary one, more one in which I was more curious about how thesetrained people go about their business.” – Donald, PatientTo increase the chances of your pacemaker implant procedure going smoothly, as Donald’s did, it’s important tofollow instructions. For one week before the procedure, don’t shave near the area where the pacemaker will beimplanted, but you can shower. Your health care team may instruct you to wash the surgery site with a special soapthe night before and the morning of your procedure.Don’t eat or drink after midnight the evening before your surgery. However, it’s ok to drink small amounts of waterto take medication. Your health care provider may have you temporarily stop certain medications.“It is important to notify your physician of which medications you're taking. There are certain drugs that are notcompatible, or should be discontinued prior to a procedure. – Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistBefore the procedure, you will be required to sign a consent form. As with any procedure, there are risks associatedwith implanting a pacemaker. Among them: infection, severe bleeding and a collapsed lung.Maria, who had her first implant procedure several years ago, says discussing her concerns with the health care teamhelped make her feel more prepared.“Get your questions written down. Ask everything. It's their job to tell you. There's no stupid questions, andthere's no questions that you should be embarrassed about." – Maria, PatientPacemakers are implanted in either the left or right side of the chest. Your health care team will likely ask which sideyou prefer. Like many patients, Donald based his decision on which arm he uses most.“I chose the left side because I'm right-handed, and on the left side there's less movement, I don't lift, I don't doas much with my left hand.” – Donald, PatientPrior to your procedure, you’ll be given medications to relax you and numb the surgical site. In some cases, generalanesthesia, which puts you to sleep, may be used.“They give you something to calm you down, they start talking to you, and before you know, you're asleep, and Idon't remember anything after that.” – Maria, PatientAn incision about three inches long will be made near your collarbone in order to form a pocket just under the skin,Page 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002595 EN ThePacemakerImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness NetworkThe Pacemaker Implant Procedurewhere your doctor will implant the pulse generator, which is the power source.A wire – called a lead -- will be threaded through a vein and into your heart. Depending on your condition, morethan one lead may be inserted. Over a period of weeks, the ends of the leads will embed in the heart muscle.Once the pulse generator and leads are connected, the system is checked to make sure it’s working properly.After the surgical team finishes, they’ll move you to recovery, where you will continue to be monitored. It’scommon for patients to be able to get out of bed just a few hours after“I was walking the day of the surgery. That night in the hospital, I could sit up. I could walk to the chair, so Iwas up and moving.” – Maria, PatientHowever, you may have some discomfort and need to keep your arm in a sling for a while.“When patients undergo insertion of a device, we advise them not to lift the right or left arm depending onwhere the device is above their should level for approximately six weeks. That is just to make sure that theleads stay in place.” - Gabriel Breuer, MD Cardiac ElectrophysiologistBy following the advice of his health care team, Donald was able to get back to the activities he enjoys relativelyquickly.“I did what I was told, and nothing happened. Everything seems fine, but you do have to followinstructions.” – Donald, PatientPage 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCHA1002595 EN ThePacemakerImplantProcedure.pdf© The Wellness Network
