MedicineNet.com

Heart Disease Slideshow Pictures Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection Take the Heart Disease Quiz!

In this Article

• Biventricular pacemaker introduction
• What is a biventricular pacemaker?
• Who is a candidate for a biventricular pacemaker?
• My doctor recommends combination ICD and pacemaker therapy. Why?
• How do I prepare for the biventricular pacemaker implant?
• What happens during the pacemaker implant?
• A closer look at what happens during the endocardial approach
• What happens after the pacemaker is implanted?
• When will I be able to go home after getting the pacemaker?
• How do I care for my wound?
• When will I be able to perform my normal activities after getting the pacemaker?
• How often do I need to get my pacemaker checked?
• How long will my pacemaker last?
• How will I know if my pacemaker needs to be changed?
• Biventricular Pacemaker Index
• Find a local Cardiologist in your town

What Happens After The Pacemaker Is Implanted?

Hospital stay: After the pacemaker implant, you will likely be admitted to the hospital overnight. The nurses will monitor your heart rate and rhythm. You will also have a Holter monitor (a small recorder that is attached to your chest by small electrode patches). It will record your heart rhythm for about 12 hours. This is another way to check proper pacemaker function. The morning after your implant, you will have a chest x-ray to check your lungs and the position of your pacemaker and leads. Your Holter monitor will be removed. The results of the test will be reported to your doctor.

Final pacemaker check: For your final pacemaker check, you will sit in a reclining chair and the pacemaker will be attached to a computer monitor. A small machine known as a programmer is used to check your pacemaker. It has a wand that is placed directly over the device. This machine allows the nurse to read your pacemaker settings and make changes during testing. With these changes, the function of the pacemaker and leads can be evaluated. You may feel your heart beating faster or slower. This is normal; however, report all symptoms to the nurse. Results of the pacemaker check are discussed with your doctor who will then determine your pacemaker settings.

After your pacemaker check, an echocardiogram will be done. The pacemaker nurse will be there during your echo and will change your pacemaker at least 3 times. The echo will be repeated with each change to evaluate heart function. The pacemaker will keep the settings that demonstrated your best heart function.

When Will I Be Able to Go Home After Getting the Pacemaker?

Usually, you will be able to go home the day after your pacemaker is implanted. Your doctor will discuss the results of the procedure and answer any questions you may have. A doctor or nurse will go over specific instructions for your care at home. Please ask a responsible adult to drive you home, as the medications you received may cause drowsiness, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate heavy machinery.