A small pacemaker without wires? Let's learn everything about it!

Has your doctor ever told you that your heart is beating a little too slowly? When that happens, you can feel faint and tired. So, to help with these types of slow heart rates, we use a device called a pacemaker. But today we're not talking about a regular pacemaker, but a much smaller, wire-free, state-of-the-art "leadless pacemaker."

What is a Leadless Pacemaker?

Simply put, this is a very small, single-unit device. A doctor inserts it into your heart to stop your heart from slowing down. What's special about this is that all the parts are in one device. That means there's no separate battery, no wires (leads) to connect to your heart . Because this entire device is placed inside the right ventricle of your heart.

Imagine, this is smaller than the AAA battery we use. It looks like a tiny metal cylinder, about 1 by 1.5 inches long.

How does this little device work?

This is a very intelligent device. The doctor programs it to suit you. Then, this pacemaker monitors the natural electrical signals of your heart. Only if the natural heartbeat becomes too fast, this device delivers a very small electrical impulse to the heart muscle. It acts as a little push to the heart. This helps to restore the heart's rhythm.

Who is this pacemaker suitable for?

Pacemakers are typically used to help people with conditions that cause the heart to beat too slowly, called bradyarrhythmias . This wire-free pacemaker is especially suitable for people with the following conditions:

• For those who only need the help of a pacemaker for their heart sometimes.
• Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a condition in which the heart rate slows or stops intermittently.
• Atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm with AV block .
• Bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome , where the heart rate is slow and fast.
• Slow heart rate (bradycardia) with symptoms.

Your doctor will decide whether this is right for you. He or she will carefully review your medical history, heart rhythm, and test results, such as an echocardiogram .

How do you prepare before this surgery?

This is not a major surgery, but it does require a little preparation.

• Arrange in advance for someone to take you home from the hospital after surgery.
• Your doctor will advise you on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery, as well as whether you need to stop taking any medications.
• The most important thing is, do not stop taking any medication you are taking without your doctor's advice.

Procedure for inserting this pacemaker

Don't be alarmed by this, it's a very simple process. It usually takes about 30 minutes.

1. First, your groin area will be numb. You won't feel anything.

2. Then a very small incision is made in that area.

3. Through that incision, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a major vein in your leg ( femoral vein ).

4. While watching an X-ray machine, the doctor carefully guides the catheter into the heart.

5. The pacemaker is placed in the right ventricle of the heart and attached to the heart muscle.

6. Then, the pacemaker is checked to make sure it is working properly and is properly attached.

7. Finally, the catheter is removed and the bleeding is stopped by applying pressure to the incision site.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Like any other option, there are pros and cons. Your doctor will discuss these with you and help you decide which is best for you.

How successful is this? How long will it last?

Studies have shown that the insertion of this device has a success rate of between 95% and 99% , with a complication rate of less than 2%.

The battery usually lasts between 5 and 15 years . When the battery runs low, the doctor can remove the old pacemaker and insert a new one. Because there is room in the heart, the new one can be inserted while the old one remains in place.

Do I need to see the doctor again? How long will it take to recover?

Yes, definitely. The doctor will need to see you after the surgery to check your recovery and the functioning of the device.

• Within 24 hours of surgery
• In a month
• Then every 3, 6, or 12 months

You can usually return to your daily activities about two weeks after surgery.

If something like this happens, call the doctor immediately!

• If there is an infection or bleeding where the incision was made in the groin.
• If your ankle or foot swells .
• If symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue that were present before the pacemaker was inserted return .
• If you feel dizzy or faint .
• If you have difficulty breathing .

Finally, it's normal to feel a little nervous about having a device inside your body. But this is a very effective and safe technology. However, it's not the best solution for everyone. For some people, a traditional pacemaker is the best fit. So be open about any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. He or she can help you choose what's best for you.

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