Pacemaker Placement

Symptomatic bradycardias and heart blocks are treated with the implantation of a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small device that is permanently implanted near the heart. It is battery-operated and is used to monitor the heart's electrical impulses. When needed, a pacemaker delivers an electrical impulse, or discharge, to make the heartbeat in a more normal rhythm.

To implant a pacemaker, the surgeon will insert a thin metal box, called a pulse generator, just under the skin, usually under below the collar bone. The pacemaker leads are usually inserted into a major vein in the shoulder or neck, and advanced down the vein until they are placed at the proper location in the heart muscle. The other ends of the leads are then attached to the pulse generator.

Recovery from pacemaker implantation is generally brief, with only a short hospital stay necessary.