Overview
The team of doctors in the cardiology department at Aster Hospitals use advanced technologies for implanting a leadless pacemaker in the heart. The procedure involves positioning and securing a leadless pacemaker in the right chamber of your heart. The cardiologists at Aster Hospitals are highly trained and skilled in conducting the procedure of leadless pacemaker implantation.
A leadless pacemaker is a small, self-contained electrode and generator in a single device that controls or increases the heartbeat. It is also called a cardiac pacing device or leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP). The device is like a small capsule-like metal box containing a high-energy battery. You may need a pacemaker if your heartbeat is very slow and your heart cannot pump blood to the body parts. A pacemaker shall keep your heart beating regularly and pump blood efficiently. Modern pacemakers do not need wires; they are called leadless pacemakers.
Our heart has nodes and fibers that conduct electrical signals called impulses through the heart's chambers. The electrical impulses regulate and coordinate the pumping action and contraction of the heart muscles. Each contraction of the ventricles is felt as a heartbeat. When there are problems with the heart's electrical signals, a pacemaker may be required to regulate the heart's electrical activity. If the heart beats slowly, the pacemaker sends signals, restoring the heartbeat to a regular rate.
A traditional pacemaker has a metal box with a pulse generator and wires as leads. They are kept in the heart vein by cutting the chest wall. These pacemakers are known as transvenous pacemakers. The new technologies have changed the way pacemakers are placed and operated. Modern pacemakers are leadless, kept directly in the heart's chamber without cutting through the chest wall, and have years of battery life.
The type of pacemaker recommended for you shall depend upon your heart condition. There are four types of pacemakers:
Single chamber pacemaker paces one chamber, the right upper or right lower heart chamber.
Dual chamber pacemakers can pace both the upper and lower heart chambers on the right side.
Biventricular or resynchronization pacemakers pace both the heart's right and left lower chambers.
Leadless pacemakers.
Two types of leadless pacemakers have been made. They are:
Transcatheter pacing system
Nanostim leadless cardiac pacemaker
Leadless pacemakers have several benefits over transvenous pacemakers. These include:
Self-contained electrode system
Implanted directly into the heart
No leads or wires required
90% smaller than a transvenous pacemaker
No complications of infections, dislodgement, or hematoma
Cosmetically compliant as no cut in the chest
No pacemaker pocket
Long battery life of up to 15 years
Safe through MRI machines
Yet, leadless pacemakers have certain limitations, such as:
Can do only single chamber electrical signal pacing
Cannot be used for conditions such as sinus node dysfunction
Cannot defibrillate
The complication rate with leadless pacemakers is very low. A few of the risks involved may be:
Discomfort at the access point of the femoral vein in the groin
Repositioning of the device may be needed.
Perforation in the heart structure
Pericardial effusion- a collection of fluids around the heart
Health Conditions Treated
Slow heartbeat or bradycardia
Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias
Genetic defects in the electrical activity of the heart
Heart failure
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
Can a leadless pacemaker be removed after a few years of implantation?
Yes. It can be removed by the cardiac surgeons if required.
Can I exercise after pacemaker implantation?
Yes. Your doctor and physical therapist shall guide you through post-implantation activities and exercises.
Can I travel by air safely?
It is entirely safe to travel by air. You can show your pacemaker card at the security check. They may do a manual screening. Avoid touching magnetic devices or surfaces and lingering in the archways.
What is the success rate of leadless pacemakers?
Studies show a success rate of 95 to 99%.
Do I have to avoid any magnets?
Yes. Keep away a minimum of six inches from the magnets, like handheld massagers and magnetic pillows.
Is MRI contraindicated in people with pacemakers?
No. You can safely undergo an MRI with a pacemaker in your heart.
How often shall I be required to go to the doctor's office after the implantation?
Your doctor shall explain the follow-up visits schedule for you. Usually, the first follow-up is done after 1 month of the implantation.
Is a leadless pacemaker lifelong?
No. The battery life is long, up to 5 to 15 years. Once the battery stops, your doctor may advise for another pacemaker.
What are the chances of complications with a leadless pacemaker?
Researchers have found the complication rate to be less than 2%.
Can I go through any medical or surgical procedure safely?
Talk to your doctor about your device for any dental or surgical procedure you must undergo. Some procedures require precaution. Talk to your cardiologist about the list of such procedures.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
At Aster Hospitals, cardiologists and electrophysiologists use the most modern leadless pacemaker technology. The doctors at Aster Hospitals are competent leaders in research and offer comprehensive, advanced care methods for heart problems.
Diagnostics
Your doctor may want to ensure that you are the right candidate for the pacemaker and that the leadless pacemaker will suit you well. They may put you through some tests before the pacemaker implantation.
The doctors and the staff at Aster Hospitals will help you with a stress-free environment for testing. The recommended tests include:
- ECG or electrocardiogram
ECG checks the heartbeat by recording electrical signals traversing through the heart. The doctor places the electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs to record the signals on a monitor or paper.
- Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is done to create images of the beating heart through sound waves. Recording is done by placing electrodes on the chest. A probe is used to send the sound waves that create echoes.
- Stress tests
These tests involve walking on a treadmill while the heart rate and rhythm are watched. The test shows how your heart responds to physical activity.
- Holter monitor
A Holter monitor is used to record the heart rate and rhythm throughout the day while you are doing daily activities. The doctor guides you on how to wear the device.
- Blood tests
Blood tests are done to see blood counts and sugar levels.
Procedure for leadless pacemaker implantation
Before the procedure
Your doctor shall advise you to stop eating a few hours before the procedure. If you are taking any medicines, you may be asked to shift the timing of the dose on the day of the procedure.
During the procedure
You shall lie on the operating table in the catheterization lab. The doctor numbs the groin area and makes a small cut to reach the femoral vein. A catheter is guided toward the heart chamber with the help of X-rays and scans. The catheter has a leadless pacemaker at its end. The pacemaker is released in the right ventricle, positioned, and secured to the ventricle's wall. The pacemaker is programmed and checked before withdrawing the catheter. The cut in the groin area is closed with a bandage.
It usually takes 30 minutes to complete the procedure.
After the procedure
You are advised to rest by lying down straight for 4 to 6 hours. Following that, you are allowed to go home, provided you have help.
The amenities for pacemaker implantation at Aster Hospitals are conducive to the needs of the patients. All procedures are located under one roof for easy and stress-free testing. You shall be able to avail all facilities, from evaluation and procedure to follow-up, in one place.
With the use of advanced technologies, the facilities for the procedure and follow-up after the pacemaker implantation are world-class. You can stay connected with your cardiac clinic remotely with the help of a smartphone app. Your device update is always available to your doctor. Aster Hospitals provides support for managing the device without you visiting the clinic. The support team prepares you well by counseling you for life with a pacemaker.
