The implantation of a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small electronic device is placed under the skin, typically in the chest area, to control or correct heart rhythm disturbances. While pacemakers serve to regulate slow heart rhythms by electrical impulses, defibrillators can additionally detect dangerously high heart rates and restore a normal rhythm by delivering an electric shock, making them particularly important for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death.
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A pacemaker is a device designed to correct slow heart rhythms (bradycardia) by sending electrical impulses when needed to stimulate the heart. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), on the other hand, can function both as a pacemaker and detect and treat dangerously high heart rates (tachycardia) by delivering an electric shock to bring the heart back into a normal rhythm.
Before implanting a pacemaker or defibrillator, the doctor usually performs a series of tests, including ECG, echocardiography, and sometimes blood tests, to assess the condition of the heart. Patients are instructed to pause certain medications and fast, and should discuss all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions with their doctor.
The implantation is performed under local anesthesia and possibly sedation. The doctor makes a small incision below the collarbone to create a pocket under the skin where the pacemaker or defibrillator is inserted. The electrodes are then threaded through the veins and placed in the heart to directly control the electrical activity of the heart.
The implantation of a pacemaker or defibrillator carries similar risks to other surgical procedures, including infection, bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves, misplacement of the electrodes, and in rare cases, a pneumothorax. Long-term risks may include device malfunctions or rejections that could require repositioning or replacement.
After implantation, patients need to have regular follow-up appointments with their cardiologist to ensure the device is working properly and is correctly adjusted. It is recommended to limit physical activity shortly after surgery and follow instructions for caring for the incision site. Additionally, patients should inform their doctors of any new symptoms or problems that occur after implantation.
Wir bieten eine Vielzahl weiterer Untersuchungen an, um ein umfassendes Bild Ihrer kardiovaskulären Gesundheit zu erhalten. Diese Untersuchungen helfen uns, individuelle Behandlungspläne zu erstellen und Ihre Herzgesundheit optimal zu fördern.
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