Permanent Pacemaker | Pacemaker Treatment | MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt
A permanent pacemaker is an electronic device placed to support heart rhythm in cases where the heart works slowly or irregularly. To whom is a permanent pacemaker applied, how is it fitted, and what is the treatment process like? Get detailed information with the evaluations of Prof. Dr. Osman Beton.
Permanent Pacemaker
The regular functioning of the heart at an adequate rate is of great importance for delivering sufficient blood and oxygen to all organs. As a result of disorders occurring in the natural electrical conduction system of the heart, the heartbeat may slow down below normal, become irregular, or completely pause from time to time. This situation can cause dizziness, fainting, quick fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, and a significant decrease in quality of life. In some rhythm disorders, drug treatment alone is not sufficient, and a Permanent Pacemaker application may be required to support the regular operation of the heart.
A permanent pacemaker is an electronic device that continuously monitors the electrical activity of the heart and sends electrical impulses when necessary to ensure the heart works at an appropriate speed. The device activates only when needed, supporting the natural rhythm of the heart. Today, different technologies such as single-chamber, dual-chamber, and triple-chamber (cardiac resynchronization) pacemaker systems are used. Which device is suitable is decided by evaluating the patient’s rhythm disorder, cardiac functions, and general health status.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Permanent Pacemaker applications are planned by our Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Osman Beton in accordance with current international cardiology guidelines. The goal is to evaluate the patient’s rhythm disorder accurately, determine the most appropriate pacemaker system, and establish a safe treatment process.
What is a Permanent Pacemaker?
A permanent pacemaker is an electronic medical device used in situations where heartbeats do not occur at an adequate rate due to slowing or blockages in the electrical conduction system of the heart. The device consists of a battery unit called a generator and thin electrodes extending to the heart.
The pacemaker continuously monitors the electrical activity of the heart. When the heart rate falls below a specified level, it automatically sends electrical impulses to support the heart in working regularly. Thus, it is aimed to reduce symptoms associated with rhythm disorders and increase quality of life.
To Whom Can a Permanent Pacemaker Be Fitted?
A permanent pacemaker is not applied to every patient with a rhythm disorder. The treatment decision is made as a result of a detailed cardiological evaluation.
A permanent pacemaker can be evaluated in the following situations:
Severely slow heart rhythm (bradycardia)
Sick sinus syndrome
Atrioventricular (AV) block
Severe disorders in the heart conduction system
Recurrent fainting attacks due to rhythm disorders
Patients for whom the cardiology specialist deems permanent pacemaker therapy necessary
The type of pacemaker and system to be applied are determined entirely according to the clinical condition of the patient.
Which Tests Are Performed Before a Permanent Pacemaker?
Before planning a permanent pacemaker, the cause of the rhythm disorder is investigated in detail.
When deemed necessary;
Cardiology examination
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Holter rhythm recording
Echocardiography
Blood tests
Electrophysiological Study (EPS) when required
Chest X-ray and other imaging methods
can be applied.
Thanks to these evaluations, both the necessity of a pacemaker and the type of device to be used are determined.
How is a Permanent Pacemaker Fitted?
Permanent pacemaker application is a procedure performed under sterile conditions in an interventional cardiology laboratory. The procedure is mostly applied under local anesthesia.
A small incision is made in the lower part of the collarbone, and thin pacemaker electrodes are placed into appropriate chambers of the heart through a vein. After testing the correct positioning of the electrodes, the pacemaker generator is placed into a special pocket created under the skin, and the system is activated.
After the procedure is completed, the functions of the pacemaker are checked in detail. Patients are kept under observation for a certain period, and a discharge plan is made according to their general health status.
What Are the Advantages of a Permanent Pacemaker?
A permanent pacemaker is one of the most effective treatment methods supporting the regular and adequate speed functioning of the heart in suitable patients. Especially in severe slow heart rhythm and conduction system disorders, it can make a significant contribution to controlling symptoms associated with rhythm disorders. However, obtaining the exact same clinical outcome in every patient cannot be guaranteed. The benefit that the treatment will provide may vary according to the type of underlying rhythm disorder, general functions of the heart, and accompanying diseases of the patient.
In suitable patients, a permanent pacemaker:
Can contribute to reducing dizziness and fainting attacks due to a slow heart rhythm.
Can help relieve symptoms such as weakness, quick fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Can support the regular electrical activity of the heart.
Can contribute to performing daily life activities more comfortably.
Can help increase exercise capacity.
Can support improving quality of life.
Maintaining regular checkups after pacemaker application and evaluating the device at certain intervals are essential parts of the treatment.
Are There Risks to Getting a Permanent Pacemaker?
Permanent pacemaker application is considered among safe procedures when performed by experienced interventional cardiology teams. Nevertheless, as with any interventional procedure, certain risks cannot be completely eliminated.
Prior to the procedure, a detailed evaluation of the patient is conducted and necessary tests are completed. Following the procedure, the patient is closely monitored for bleeding at the entry site, bruising, infection, lead-related problems, or other rarely seen complications. Expected benefits and potential risks are evaluated together in treatment planning to determine a personalized approach.
Life After a Permanent Pacemaker
The vast majority of patients fitted with a permanent pacemaker can return to their daily lives within a short time. In the first few weeks, it is important not to strain the arm on the side where the pacemaker was placed excessively and to follow the physician’s recommendations.
After the pacemaker is fitted, regular cardiology checkups are performed, and the operating parameters of the device are checked using special programmer systems. Battery life may vary depending on the type of device, frequency of use, and clinical condition of the patient. When approaching the end of battery life, only the pacemaker generator is replaced; as long as they remain suitable, replacing the electrodes may not be necessary.
Permanent pacemakers used today are designed to be compatible with many daily activities. However, the healthcare team must be informed of the presence of a pacemaker before exposure to certain devices generating magnetic fields and medical procedures.
Importance of Experience in Permanent Pacemaker Treatment
In permanent pacemaker application, correct patient selection, determining the appropriate device, and proper positioning of electrodes are among the most important factors affecting long-term treatment success.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Prof. Dr. Osman Beton decides on the necessity of a permanent pacemaker by examining patients’ ECG recordings, Holter results, echocardiography findings, and other cardiological evaluations in detail. The most suitable pacemaker system is planned according to the patient’s age, type of rhythm disorder, cardiac functions, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
To whom is a permanent pacemaker fitted?
A permanent pacemaker can be applied in severely slow heart rhythm, AV block, sick sinus syndrome, and other conduction system diseases deemed necessary by the cardiology specialist.
Is permanent pacemaker surgery an open heart surgery?
No. Permanent pacemaker application is not open heart surgery. It is an interventional cardiology procedure usually performed under local anesthesia below the collarbone.
Is a pacemaker visible from the outside?
Because the device is placed under the skin, a slight bulge may be seen, especially in thin individuals. Other than that, it does not significantly affect daily life.
How long is the lifespan of a pacemaker?
Battery life can vary according to the features of the device used and the amount of pacing required by the patient. Battery status is monitored during regular checkups, and generator replacement is planned when necessary.
Can one return to normal life after a permanent pacemaker is fitted?
Yes. As long as physician recommendations are followed, the vast majority of patients can return to their daily lives and many routine activities within a short time.
Conclusion
A Permanent Pacemaker is one of the reliable and effective interventional cardiology applications used in the treatment of conduction system diseases that cause the heart to work slowly or irregularly. In suitable patients, it can make a significant contribution to regulating heart rhythm, reducing symptoms associated with rhythm disorders, and increasing quality of life. However, the decision for pacemaker application must strictly be made after a detailed cardiological evaluation.
In line with comprehensive evaluations conducted by Prof. Dr. Osman Beton at MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, a personalized treatment plan is created for each patient. Patients applying from across Güzelyurt, TRNC, Cyprus, and North Cyprus can receive detailed evaluations regarding permanent pacemakers, bradycardia, AV block, heart rhythm disorders, interventional cardiology, and pacemaker treatment. If you have complaints such as dizziness, fainting, excessive fatigue, or slow heartbeat, early cardiology evaluation is an important step in determining the appropriate treatment option.