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Preparation
If your heart is beating too slowly, Dr. Moore may recommend that you have a pacemaker implanted. The
pacemaker is a small electronic tool that will be inserted under the skin near your heart. Leads on
the pacemaker will be connected to your heart to help it beat or 'pace' properly. A battery that
will last many years before it needs to be replaced will power your pacemaker. Once your pacemaker
is inserted, you'll have it checked ordinarily twice per year to ensure that it's functioning
properly. This check is typically performed at Dr. Moore's office with the assistance of the
technical field representative from the pacemaker manufacturer.
Dr. Moore performs pacemaker implants at Indian River Memorial Hospital. To prepare for this
procedure, you must:
- Inform Dr. Moore if you may be pregnant
- Abstain from eating or drinking at least six to eight hours prior to the test
You may have to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, Plavix or warfarin therapy, prior to
this procedure and obtain pre-procedure blood work. You also may have to pre-register for this
inpatient procedure. Dr. Moore and his staff will provide you with specific instructions.
Procedure
Once you have registered, changed into a hospital gown, and been situated in bed, you'll receive an
intravenous (IV) line that will be used to administer a mild sedative that will help you relax during
the procedure. You'll still be awake and somewhat responsive during the procedure, but many patients
find they don't remember much afterwards. Electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your
heart, and a cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure.
Once you have been sedated, the cardiologist will make a small incision on the left side of your
chest. This incision will create a small pouch for the pacemaker. Next, the cardiologist will use
fluoroscopy, a special x-ray technique that captures and stores images in real-time, to guide the
pacemaker leads and properly place them in your heart. The leads are then attached to the pacemaker
generator and the pacemaker is inserted into the pouch. The small incision is closed with stitches.
The implantation generally takes about an hour.
Post-procedure
You'll usually be required to spend the night in the hospital, so the cardiology team can monitor your
heart and ensure that the device is working properly. After the procedure, a follow-up appointment
with Dr. Moore will be scheduled. Resume your normal medication schedule as instructed by Dr. Moore.
For the most part, patients with pacemakers can resume a normal life. However, you should carry an
official device card in your wallet that indicates that you have a pacemaker. Some security systems,
such as at the airport, may detect your pacemaker. You should also inform all of your physicians and
dentist of your device. Lastly, most electronic equipment does not interfere with pacemakers, but
some especially strong electrical and magnetic devices can disrupt the way the pacemaker works. Be
aware of your surroundings, and if you have questions, ask your cardiologist.
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