What it treats

If your heartbeat is too slow or irregular, an electronic pacemaker can help regulate your heart rate. When the pacemaker detects that your heart rate is too slow or irregular, it emits electrical impulses that trigger your heart to attain a more regular rhythm. Pacemakers are recommended for people if they have a slow heart rate that leads to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

How it works

Pacemakers are implanted during a simple surgical procedure performed by an electrophysiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart rhythm disorders.

• You’ll receive medication through an intravenous (IV) to help you relax, but you remain awake during the procedure.
• An incision is made just under your left collarbone, you’ll be given an anesthetic to numb the skin at the site of the incision.
• The wires from the pacemaker are directed down your veins until they make contact with your heart.
• The other ends of the leads attach to the generator of the pacemaker, which is placed in a pocket created beneath your skin.
• The surgery typically takes 2-3 hours.

Risks

Pacemaker surgery is considered very safe and complications are rare. However, risks of having a pacemaker implanted may include:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to medications
• Bleeding or bruising
• Swelling
• Damage to veins
• Bleeding around the heart
• Blood leaking in heart at the site of leads

A fully equipped, seasoned team of experts

UR Medicine is considered a world leader in electrophysiology. In fact, our research has helped improve treatments for patients around the globe. We offer three fully-equipped electrophysiology labs for the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, all staffed by experienced nurses and technicians who work exclusively with patients who have heart rhythm disorders. Our team implants thousands of pacemakers every year.

Find out more

For details about pacemaker implantation at UR Medicine, contact us at (585) 275-4775.