Pacemaker Implants in Baltimore at Mercy Medical Center

When the heart has irregular rhythms, a pacemaker is a device that is inserted into the body to help regulate the heart beat. There are two basic types of pacemakers – ones that trigger the chambers of the heart, and ones that are a combination defibrillator and pacemaker.  The standard pacemaker sends an electrical impulse that replaces the heart’s own rhythm and the defibrillator/pacemaker device also delivers electrical impulses but also can send out a shock to stop a potentially dangerous heart rhythm.

Surgery is required to implant the pacemaker, but it is a less invasive surgery than other heart surgeries like open heart surgery which requires the chest to be completely opened. 

In the surgical procedure, the patient is given a local anesthesia to numb the chest area and, if needed, a mild sedative to relax. Once the chest area is scrubbed, an incision is made and the wires that attached the device to the heart are inserted and attached to the heart. Then, the pacemaker is inserted under the skin. The wires are connected to the pacemaker and the pacemaker is tested to make sure it’s all in working order. The incision is closed and the patient is awakened.

Anyone experiencing irregular heart rhythm should consult with their primary care physician who may refer them to a heart specialist. That specialist will perform diagnostic screening tests to determine the underlying cause of the irregularity and recommend the best procedure to improve the heart’s performance.