All you need to know about new pacemaker technologies

What are Pacemakers?

A pacemaker is a medical device almost the size of a matchbox. It is inserted surgically into the chest to help the heart function normally for people dealing with heart-related issues. It sends electrical pulses to stimulate the heart in beating at a normal pace and rhythm and in pumping blood to the body more effectively. 

The Effects of a Pacemaker on Your Daily Life:

 Minor surgery and maybe a night stay at the hospital are required for pacemaker implantation. Although some little pain and swelling are expected, the surgical site needs to be watched for symptoms of infection. In much less than a week, one can normally resume their regular daily activities, but you usually need to avoid more rigorous exertion for a month or more. Under the reason for which the pacemaker was required, there can also be different temporary restrictions.

How does it work?

A pacemaker has three components. I.e. a generator, battery, and one to three tiny insulated wires, which are surgically inserted beneath the skin near the right or left collarbone. 

The generator has a mini computer that receives data from the electrodes at the ends of the cables, which are attached to particular locations on the heart. The lower chambers of the heart are then instructed when to beat by the programmed signals that is subsequently transmitted. 

Due to the advancements in the pacemaker surgeries in India batteries need just little surgery to be replaced after 5 to 12 years. Monitoring the device is pretty easy as now it can be done remotely by doctors to analyze data and make any necessary adjustments. 

Types of Pacemakers 

MRI- safe pacemakers or ‘MRI conditional Pacemakers’

Persons who have electrical heart implants like pacemakers placed in their bodies are believed to be at risk when undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The majority of people with these devices, according to a study that was recently published online on August 14 by the Journal of Clinical Electrophysiology, can undergo scans without any problem.

Pacemakers weren’t MRI-approved until recently as the strong magnetic fields employed for the scanning were thought to pose a risk to the circuitry of pacemakers, therefore they had previously been regarded as dangerous.

However, researchers did not discover any issue with how Pacemakers worked when they examined 212 MRI tests involving 178 individuals using them. As long as a person has a Pacemaker that was inserted after 2000, the researchers have assured that MRI is safe for them. MRI- safe Pacemakers are known as ‘MRI conditional Pacemakers”.

There is careful monitoring required even when someone with MRI conditional Pacemaker is going through MRI:

Securing the attendance and close collaboration of several medical specialists during the MRI needed is 

• Radiologist
• Electrophysiology physician
• MRI technologist and
• Electrophysiology technician

Their presence and input are crucial during the scan, and their presence should be ensured in advance as it is the first step in scheduling a safe and effective MRI scan in such cases.

This team should rule out any contraindications, evaluate the particular scanning requirements for the pacemaker implant, and arrange the procedure before the MRI Test.

Automated Pacemaker monitoring

This pacemaker features a manufacturer-run remote cardiac system monitoring network that is Internet-based. Instead of having to visit the doctor’s office, the network enables patients to submit data from their pacemakers either at home or on the go.

The degree of pacing offered can be continuously monitored and automatically changed on a daily or hourly basis by this kind of Pacemaker. Doctors can monitor the Pacemakers’ functioning and they can change the treatment strategy as necessary remotely. It cuts down on the time people with heart conditions spend in the doctor’s office, as an automated pacemaker can conduct the full range of diagnostic procedures without requiring human interaction.

Automated Pacemaker monitoring is constantly growing in demand.

Leadless Pacemakers or wireless Pacemakers

Wireless Pacemakers don’t need leads (wires) to be connected to a generator, or a surgical insertion to be made on the chest like traditional pacemakers. Only individuals with specific medical disorders, Bradycardia, and single-chamber pacing are eligible for the device. An evaluation of your medical records, heart rate, and the outcomes of medical testing can help your doctor determine whether you are a fit for a leadless pacemaker. This Pacemaker is also really comfortable as no bump can be felt. The implant surgery also takes less time than a standard pacemaker implant surgery. You do not need to restrict upper body movement following the procedure since there are no cables or generators involved in these kinds of Pacemakers.

Risks of Wireless Pacemakers

Following the implantation of a leadless pacemaker, bleeding and inflammation at the incision site are the most frequent issues. Although they usually do not pose a life-threatening concern, they could prolong hospitalization. Some uncommon but severe risks include internal bleeding, and the device shifting out of position. 

Conclusion

Doctor’s advice getting blood pressure and cholesterol checks, starting at age 20 for most people, even if you have no family history of heart disease. Most people begin having blood glucose testing to evaluate their heart health by the age of 40 to 45. Around 3 million people use pacemakers globally due to increasing Medical Tourism in India. Although Pacemakers are great devices for people who need them. The best thing you can do for your heart health is to avoid any chance you might need Pacemakers because of a poor lifestyle.