BIVENTRICULAR PACEMAKER

During cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or biventricular pacing, doctors and nurses use a biventricular pacemaker. This is used to help the ventricles contract properly. It is placed just below the collarbone and on the upper quadrant of the chest. 

Furthermore, it works by passing tiny electrical signals through the leads that support the contraction of the right and left ventricles, like a regular pacemaker. However, the biventricular pacemaker has a third wire in the left ventricle that allows coordinated, timed signals to be transmitted to the right and left ventricles.

The size of a biventricular pacemaker is comparable to that of a pager. Nevertheless, out of many others, this type of pacemaker can also defibrillate or shock the heart if necessary, which helps manage potentially life-threatening erratic heartbeats.

SYMPTOMS

For some patients diagnosed with terminal symptoms that medications can’t manage, this treatment helped improve their heart health and their quality of life. Moreover, cardiologists perform this surgery in the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab, which takes approximately two hours.

Who is eligible for this kind of pacemaker?

A biventricular pacemaker reduces the chances of a heart failure complication. It works in about half of patients with medications and those who still have serious to moderately severe symptoms.

To obtain a biventricular pacemaker implant, the patients must have:

  • Suffer from heart failure indications that are serious or mildly severe
  • Take medications for heart disease
  • Have experienced LV/RV synchrony issues.

Furthermore, the patient suffering from heart disease may or may not need this kind of pacemaker to treat slow heartbeats. Moreover, an internal defibrillator (implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD) may also be needed to treat patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest or cardiac caused death.

TREATMENT

Preparation for the biventricular pacemaker implant:

  • Consult your cardiologist regarding the medications you can take before the operation.
  • Avoid drinking or eating anything the night before your operation, but if it’s unavoidable, small sips of water are allowed.
  • Leave your valuables at home before scheduling an appointment. 
  • Take your time in showering. You may also be advised to use a special soap to lessen the risk of developing a possible severe infection.

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