Help for your heart? Let's learn about Cardiac Assist Devices.

Does your heart feel a little tired? Maybe your heartbeat is a little different, irregular? Have you heard of a small machine that can give our heart a little help at such times? Today we are going to talk about these cardiac assist devices, or cardiac assist devices. It is normal to feel a little scared when you hear the word "cardiac assist devices" (Cardiac Assist Devices) . But these devices save the lives of millions of people and help them live well.

Simply put, what is a cardiac assist device?

This is a small device that you put inside your chest. It helps your heart do its job properly. Imagine, some people have irregular heartbeats, which we call arrhythmia . That means the heart beats too slowly at times, too fast at other times. In those cases, this device can give the heart a signal that says, "Okay, this is the time to beat," and help it maintain its rhythm. Also, some people's hearts can't pump enough blood to the body. These devices can help at those times too.

What are the main types of these devices?

There are several types of instruments used depending on the problem at hand. Let's look at the main types.

Why use such a device?

There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a device like this. The main ones are to help regulate your heart's rhythm, help your heart pump blood, or protect you from a sudden heart attack.

These devices can be very useful for people with the following conditions:

• Irregular heartbeat: If the heartbeat changes in an irregular way.
• Heart Block: When the electrical signals to the heart are severely or completely blocked.
• Sick Sinus Syndrome: When the function of the main node that signals the heart to beat is impaired.
• Long QT Syndrome: When the heart takes longer than normal to prepare for the next beat after it has beaten once.
• Tachycardia: If the heart rate is too fast.
• Bradycardia: If the heart rate is too slow.
• Ventricular Fibrillation: A very irregular, rapid heartbeat that can be life-threatening.
• Heart Failure: The heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body.
• Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle.

How do these devices work?

Imagine, when a device like a pacemaker or ICD is implanted, doctors connect thin wires (leads) from the device to the heart tissue. Through these wires, the device can 'sense', or know, the heart's activity.

If the device senses that your heart is beating too fast, it sends a small electrical signal to your heart to tell it to beat. If your heart rate is dangerously fast, an ICD delivers a small electrical shock to bring it back to normal. All of this happens according to a program that your doctor gives the device from outside. These devices are powered by a small, long-lasting battery.

Another good thing is that some new devices can collect information about your heart and send it to your doctor over the phone or over the Internet . So you don't have to go to the hospital all the time. Your doctor can look at your heart from home and find out if there is any change before it gets worse.

What are the benefits of these devices?

The benefits of a device like this are truly numerous.

Are there any side effects or risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are very small risks involved in having this device implanted. Remember, these are very rare. However, it's good to be aware of them.

• Bleeding: There may be some bleeding from the surgical site.
• Minor heart damage: Very rarely, a small hole can form in the heart wall.
• Lung Collapse (Pneumothorax): There may be minor damage to the lungs.
• Blood Clots: There is a small risk of blood clots.
• Problems with the device's wiring: The installed wires may be damaged.
• Device malfunction: Very rarely, the device may not work properly.
• Device movement: The device may move from its installed position.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site.

Don't be afraid when you hear these things. Your doctor will do everything possible to minimize these risks.

What should I be careful about when living with a device?

Once the device is installed, you can live a normal life. However, there are a few things to be careful of in the early stages.

• Take care of the wound: Keep the surgical site clean according to your doctor's instructions.
• Physical activity: You may need to limit activities such as lifting weights and lifting your arms for the first few weeks. Ask your doctor when you can resume normal activities and driving.
• MRI Scan: If you ever need to have an MRI scan, you should definitely tell your doctor that you have this type of equipment. Most people can have an MRI, but they need to take some special precautions.
• Everyday devices: Things like cell phones, microwave ovens, and airport security scanners usually don't cause problems. But don't hold your cell phone too close to the device.

What time should I see the doctor?

After you have the device fitted, you will need to see your doctor frequently at first, and then once a year later, to make sure it is working properly. However, if you notice anything unusual, you should call your doctor immediately.