Cardiac Pacemakers 

What my patients need to know before implant

Irina Staicu, MD , RPVI, FACC

Nuclear Cardiology Diplomat

ABVLM Diplomat

What is a pacemaker and how it works

• A small device implanted under the skin, designed to mimic the heart's natural pacemaker

• When the heart natural " battery" becomes depleted , the artificial pacemaker is implanted to take over. 

What is a pacemaker and how it works

Your own,normal heart Beat

Longer pause, Pacemaker senses and next, takes over

Pacemaker delivers the impulse

When do you need a Pacemaker

Slower pulse than normal (bradycardia) or pauses > 3 sec

Fainting, Dizziness, Fatigue, Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Decreased stamina

What I tell my patients before implant

• The P won't prolong your life; will make it safer - no falls, passing out

• The P improves quality of life; more energy, better stamina

• Won't correct Atrial Fibrillation; you will still need to take the blood thinners!

• Your lifestyle wont change after P; will be better by increasing the level of activity

• Cosmetic scars after implant? You will be satisfied with my skills.

What I tell my patients before implant

Every invasive procedure may result in complications

• Infections at implant site

• Allergy to the dye or anesthesia

• Bruising, Bleeding at incision, if on blood thinners

• Collapsed lung

• Heart Perforation

• Lead dislodgement with second procedure for reinsertion

I always say before procedure: 

"Lets work together to avoid any complications;  my record so far is great " 

Advocate Heart Institute

Chicago Illinois