An elderly man, Mr. Wang, who is in his seventies, has always been a healthy old man, but in recent months he has begun to feel heart discomfort, often experiencing symptoms of irregular heartbeat and chest tightness. Worried about his health, he went to the local hospital. After a series of tests, doctors diagnosed him with severe arrhythmias and recommended that he be fitted with a pacemaker.
Mr. Wang didn't know much about pacemakers, so he asked his doctor for details about the treatment. The doctor patiently explained the role of the pacemaker and the installation process, and told him that through this advanced technology, his arrhythmia can be effectively controlled, the quality of life can be improved, and he can return to his normal activity level.
Learn how to prepare your pacemaker before it is installed
Electrocardiogram and other assessments
First, the doctor will ask the patient to have an electrocardiogram to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. This is a simple but effective test that can help doctors understand if there is an abnormality in the patient's heart function and determine if a pacemaker is needed.
In addition to the ECG, doctors do other related evaluations, such as reviewing the patient's medical history, doing a physical exam, and doing necessary laboratory tests. The purpose of these assessments is to get a complete picture of the patient's health and to prepare for the safety of the procedure.
Preoperative notification and communication
Before the pacemaker is installed, the doctor will have a detailed preoperative briefing and communication with the patient. They explain to the patient the purpose, procedure, and possible risks of the procedure, as well as answer questions and concerns the patient may have.
Preoperative notification and communication are very important to help patients understand the importance and necessity of surgery, enhance patients' confidence in surgery, and reduce postoperative anxiety and fear. At the same time, the doctor will fully understand the patient's individual situation and preferences in order to develop a personalized plan for the smooth operation of the operation.
Through these preparations, doctors can ensure that patients receive the best possible outcome during the pacemaker-fitted procedure and minimize the risks and complications of the procedure.
Pacemaker surgical installation process
Preoperative preparation and anesthesia
Before proceeding with pacemaker implantation surgery, the doctor will perform a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to ensure that the patient's physical condition is suitable for the procedure. This includes performing electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, etc., to ensure that the patient's heart condition meets the indications for pacemaker implantation. At the same time, the doctor will carefully ask the patient's medical history to see if the patient has any other underlying health problems.
On the day of surgery, the patient is wheeled into the operating room and given anesthesia. The anesthesia team will choose the appropriate anesthesia according to the patient's specific situation to ensure that the patient does not feel pain during the procedure and remains quiet and stable.
Surgical procedures and details of the procedure
Preparation: The doctor disinfects the patient and covers the surgical area to ensure that the surgical environment is clean and sterile. At the same time, patients are given prophylactic medications such as antibiotics to reduce the risk of postoperative infection.
Positioning catheter insertion: Doctors insert a catheter into a patient's vein by venipuncture, usually using a blood vessel under the clavicle or neck as the insertion point. The catheter will be guided to a specific part of the heart, a process that requires precise positioning using imaging techniques such as X-rays.
Electrode implantation: Once the catheter reaches the heart, the doctor guides the electrodes through the catheter into the heart, usually through the right atrium or right ventricle. Accurate placement of the electrodes is critical to the function of the pacemaker, and doctors use monitoring methods such as electrocardiogram to ensure that the electrodes are positioned correctly.
Implantation of a pacemaker: Once the electrodes are in place, the doctor implants the pacemaker through another inchement into the patient's subcutaneous tissue, usually in the chest or abdomen. The pacemaker is connected to the electrodes by wires to ensure that the pacing signal can be transmitted to the heart and function as intended.
End of surgery and sutures: After the surgery is completed, the doctor will check the position of the pacemaker and electrodes and perform final adjustments and tests. Once everything is confirmed, the wound is sutured and the surgery is over.
Post-operative monitoring: The patient is sent to the recovery room for monitoring, and the medical staff closely observes the patient's vital signs and ensures that there are no complications.
Postoperative precautions
1. Postoperative monitoring and observation
Postoperative surgery is an important time to pay attention to patients, and careful monitoring and careful observation can effectively prevent the occurrence of complications. After surgery, patients are usually transferred to an intensive care unit or intensive care unit for close observation to ensure that the pacemaker installation process has not triggered any adverse reactions or complications. Your health care provider will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs and treat any abnormalities in a timely manner.
2. Activity and lifestyle modifications
Patients need a proper rest and recovery period after surgery to help the body adjust to the new lifestyle and the presence of a pacemaker. Doctors will develop an appropriate activity plan based on the patient's specific situation, including avoiding strenuous exercise and advocating moderate exercise. In addition, patients need to take care to avoid being disturbed by violent electromagnetic fields, such as microwave ovens and strong magnetic fields.
In terms of lifestyle, patients need to follow their doctor's advice to adjust their diet, quit smoking and limit alcohol, and take regular medications to control related chronic diseases. In addition, it is also very important to avoid excessive mental stress and anxiety, and to maintain a happy and positive mood through a healthy lifestyle and psychological counseling.
The post-operative monitoring and recovery period is a critical period to ensure patient safety and well-being. With close monitoring and appropriate lifestyle modifications, patients can better adapt to the presence of a pacemaker and reduce the occurrence of complications. Regular follow-up and maintenance is also an important part of maintaining heart health, and patients should actively cooperate with their doctor's advice and maintain good lifestyle habits for better health outcomes.