Pacemaker device
The article focuses on pacemaker device placed under the skin in the chest to help in controlling the heartbeat. The device helps the heart to beat more regularly for individuals with arrhythmia, especially with a low heartbeat. The pacemaker enhances the physiology of the body.
The different types of pacemakers that are used in the body include a single chamber, dual chamber, biventricular pacemakers. Single chamber pacemaker usually carries electrical impulses to the right ventricle of the heart. The dual-chamber pacemaker carries electrical impulses to the right ventricle and right atrium to control the timing of heart contractions. The biventricular pacemaker is used to people with heart failure and stimulates the lower chambers of the heart to increase the efficiency of heartbeats.
According to the author, the pacemaker is implanted to mimic the actions of the heart with its two parts; namely, pulse generator, and leads. The pulse generator holds a battery and electrical circuitry and regulates the rate of pulses that is sent to the heart. The leads are comprised of three insulated wires placed on each chamber of the heart to deliver electoral pulses that adjust the heart rate. The device wok only when it is necessary. For instance, when the heartbeat is slow, the device sends an electrical signal to increase the heartbeat to the required rate. Modern pacemakers have a sensor that detects the breathing rate, which helps the heart to increase the rate of beating especially when one is conducting exercises. There are risks associated with the use of pacemakers, which includes, infections on areas where the pacemaker has been implanted, allergic reactions from the anaesthesia used in the surgical procedures, swelling, bleeding at the generator site, and damage of blood vessels and collapse of the lungs.
The article discusses on the tests done by the doctor before inserting the pacemaker. These tests include electrocardiogram, Holter monitoring, echocardiogram, and stress test. Before the procedure is done on one’s body, one is likely to be awake during the surgery when the pacemaker is implanted. An intravenous line is placed, where one receives medication to help one relax. Most of the implantations are done using anaesthesia to numb the area of the incision. During the procedure, flexible and insulated wires are inserted in a major vein in the collarbone and guided to the heart through X-ray images. One each of the insulated wires is put in the appropriate position of the heart, and the other end is attached to the pulse generator that is implanted under the skin. After the procedure, the patient stays in the hospital for a day for more assessment. The device can be checked remotely because it can transmit information to doctor’s offices such as the heart rate, the functioning and the remaining battery life.
The article addresses the special precautions that one need to take not to interfere with the functioning of the heart. Some of the provided precautions include keeping cellphone at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker and avoid lingering near or leaning against metal detectors. it is important to inform dentists and doctors about the device because some medical procedures such as CT scans, cancer radiation treatment, and stand 2 feet from welding equipment and from transforms with high voltage because they can interfere with eth device. However, some devices such as microwaves, televisions, toasters, shavers and radios are unlikely to interfere with the device.
The article indicates that the pacemaker should be in a position to improve some of the body conditions that are caused by slow heartbeats such as fatigue and fainting. The device needs to be checked regularly by the doctor, at least in every three to six months. If a patient has the pacemaker and gets terminally ill for a condition that is not related to the heart, the device can prolong their life. However, in such a situation, one needs to consult the doctor before switching it off.