The pacemaker
The pacemaker, also known as a cardiac pacemaker, is a minimally invasive medical device implanted in the operating room, with the battery positioned subcutaneously to correct abnormalities in cardiac electrical activity. It monitors heartbeats and restores rhythm in case of symptomatic pathological slowing (bradycardia).
When to consider implanting a pacemaker?
In the presence of symptomatic intracardiac conduction abnormalities, a pacemaker may be considered. The pacemaker detects heart rate slowdowns and stimulates the heart to restore optimal heart rate.
There are different electrical conductive disorders at various levels of the heart: :
Sinus node dysfunction
Causes sinus bradycardia or sinus node dysfunction, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Atrioventricular block
When complete, it is a block of electrical conduction between the atria and the ventricles. This complete atrioventricular block can be paroxysmal (short-lived) or persistent. The implantation of a pacemaker is imminent.
Implantation of the pacemaker:
It is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the operating room. The pacemaker's housing is usually placed subcutaneously in the pectoral region. The pacing lead, which is connected to the housing, is inserted into the right ventricle through a peripheral vein.
The battery of a pacemaker has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years and will need to be replaced at the end of this period.
This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. The duration of the intervention is usually between 30 and 60 minutes.
The pacemaker's operating parameters, including the minimum pacing rate, can be adjusted by the doctor according to the individual needs of the patient.
Medical follow-up (telemonitoring)
For the proper functioning control of your pacemaker, regular checks will be performed by your Cardiologist/Electrophysiologist at regular intervals.
Remote monitoring via telecardiology will help space out the intervals between consultations. Thus, monitoring of certain parameters of your pacemaker's functioning and your heart rate can be ensured remotely.
Thanks to telecardiology and the alert system sent to your doctor in case of arrhythmia occurrence, therapeutic management can be initiated more promptly.
Remote monitoring of your pacemaker allows for verifying its proper functioning and remotely detecting the occurrence of arrhythmias, enabling the implementation of appropriate treatment more quickly.
Life with a pacemaker
It is recommended to contact your doctor if there are signs of inflammation at the pacemaker implantation site or in case of fever.
The functioning of the implantable pacemaker will be monitored through spaced-out consultations and remotely if the installed model allows it (telecardiology).
For more information, please find the consent forms from the French Society of Cardiology (SFC) regarding pacemaker implantation.