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Devices That Make A Difference PACEMAKERS + DEFIBRILLATORS story by Dr. Sam Rahman, MUSC Health Florence Medical Center
Pacemakers and defibrillators are devices commonly implanted in the heart to treat specific malfunction of the heart’s natural electrical system, allowing patients to lead a better, safer lifestyle and, in many cases, prolong lives. Pacemakers and defibrillators consist of a pulse generator and attached leads. The pulse generator is a small metal case containing sophisticated programmable circuitry and the lithium-ion battery. To install the pulse generator, a small incision is made on the front of the chest wall, just underneath the collarbone, not inside the chest cavity. The incision creates a pocket to install the pulse generator with one, two, or three leads attached to it. The leads are inserted into the big vein underneath the collarbone, following the vein to the heart cavity. Your cardiologist will decide the number of leads you need. Most patients have two leads; one goes to the top chamber of the heart (the atrium), and one goes to the lower chamber (the ventricle). Typically, this is an outpatient procedure with the patient going home the same day. The lithium battery can last up to 12 years, depending on how often it is used. When the battery needs replacement, it is then taken out through a small incision, and a new battery is attached to the old leads.
Dr. Sam Rahman is an interventional cardiologist who specializes in catheter-based procedures for the treatment of coronary artery disease. These procedures include stents, PCI, complex coronary interventions, peripheral arterial disease, and device therapy (Pacemaker and ICD implantations). For more information, please call his office, MUSC Health – Cardiology, at 843-674-4787 or visit MUSChealth.org. 42 VIPMagSC.com September 2021
DR, SAM RAHMAN A pacemaker monitors conditions causing a slow heart rate. The implanted pacemaker watches the heart rhythm all the time and intervenes only if the heart rate slows down. If a slow heart rate is detected, the pacemaker sends a very small electrical impulse stimulating the heart to trigger a heartbeat. This electrical impulse drives the heart to keep going at the desired rate. If the heart beats fast, the pacemaker will not do anything, but it will continue monitoring the heart rate all the time. A defibrillator functions exactly like a pacemaker, but it is also programmed to recognize a life-threatening fast heart rhythm. The defibrillator delivers a high-voltage electrical shock
