Is getting a pacemaker a major surgery?

Is getting a pacemaker a major surgery?

Inserting a pacemaker into the chest requires minor surgery. The procedure is generally safe, but there are some risks, such as injury around the site of insertion. AH

What are the side effects of having a pacemaker?

Pacemakers are generally safe; however, there may be few side effects present, which include:

• Infection at the pacemaker's site.
• Swelling, bleeding or bruising at the pacemaker's site.
• A collapsed lung.
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves near the pacemakers.
• Allergic reaction to dye or anesthesia used during the surgery.

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How is pacemaker surgery performed?

A small incision, approximately 5 cm long, is made in the upper chest. A lead (thin insulated wire, like a spaghetti noodle) is guided through the vein into the heart. Your doctor connects the lead to the pacemaker and programs the device. The pacemaker is then inserted beneath the skin.

What is the most common age for a pacemaker?

Surveys have shown that up to 80% of pacemakers are implanted in the elderly and the average age of pacemaker recipients is now 75 ± 10 years. Although considered by many as "minor" surgery, pacemaker implantation complications may occur in up to 3%–4% of cases.

What should you avoid if you have a pacemaker?

Keep at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your pacemaker:

• Cellular phones, including PDAs and portable MP3 players with integrated cellular phones.
• Devices transmitting Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi signals (cell phones, wireless Internet routers, etc.)
• Headphones and earbuds. ...
• Magnetic wands used in the game of Bingo.

What are the signs you need a pacemaker?

How to tell if you need a pacemaker

• Frequent fainting.
• Inexplicable fatigue (you get enough sleep and stay healthy, yet always feel tired)
• Inability to exercise, even lightly, without getting very winded.
• Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Heart palpitations or sudden, intense pounding in your chest (without exercise)

Can you live 20 years with a pacemaker?

Baseline patient characteristics are summarized in Table 1: The median patient survival after pacemaker implantation was 101.9 months (approx. 8.5 years), at 5, 10, 15 and 20 years after implantation 65.6%, 44.8%, 30.8% and 21.4%, respectively, of patients were still alive.

How do you sleep with a pacemaker?

Sleep on your side. If you have an implanted defibrillator, sleep on the opposite side. Most defibrillators are implanted on the left side, so sleeping on the right side may feel more comfortable. AH

Can you be near a microwave with a pacemaker?

Household microwaves, electric appliances, most office and light shop equipment will NOT affect your pacemaker. ... Microwave ovens, electric blankets, remote controls for TV and other common household appliances won't affect your pacemaker.

Can you live a normal life with pacemaker?

Pacemakers and ICDs generally last 5 to 7 years or longer, depending on usage and the type of device. In most cases, you can lead a normal life with an ICD. Advances in technology have reduced the chances that machines, such as microwaves, could interfere with your device.

What is the success rate of pacemaker operation?

• Pacemaker implantations are extremely successful, with rates greater than 99 percent. For a 3-lead pacemaker system, the success rates are about 97 percent.

What is the recovery time for a pacemaker operation?

• Most individuals feel fine within a few days. Stronger pain medication can be prescribed as needed based upon your level of discomfort. When you return home you can resume most of your normal activities. The time frame in which you return to work will of course depend on your occupation.

What is the life expectancy of a person with a pacemaker?

• The average life expectancy og pacemaker is about 10 years. Pacemaker can last for 15 years or longer depending on frequency of use and few other factors that may cause unnecessary discharge of electric power.