The implantation of an electrocardiostimulator is an operation to insert a small electronic device into the chest (just below the collarbone). A pacemaker may be recommended to ensure that the heartbeat does not slow down to a dangerously low frequency.
Pacemaker device
An electrocardiostimulator consists of three parts: a pulse generator, one or more wires, and an electrode on each wire. A pulse generator is a small metal case with electronic circuits, a computer and a battery that regulate the pulses sent to the heart. An insulated wire connects the pulse generator to one of the cardiac chambers and passes through a large vein in the chest. The electrode at the end touches the wall of the heart to record its electrical activity and transmit information to the pulse generator.
The terminals of an electrocardiostimulator for stimulating the heart can be located in the upper or lower chamber, or in both at once, depending on the patient's state of health. If the heart rate is slower than the programmed limit, electrical impulses are sent through the wire to the electrode more frequently and cause the heart to beat faster. After inserting the pacemaker during subsequent appointments, the doctor adjusts the device properly.
The cost of implantation of an electrocardiostimulator depends on the complexity of the operation and the device itself. A newer biventricular pacemaker is used to treat certain types of heart failure. Sometimes, with this disease, two ventricles do not pump normally, interventricular dissynchrony occurs. As a result, less blood is pumped into the heart. A biventricular pacemaker simultaneously moves both ventricles, increasing the amount of blood pumped. This type of treatment is called cardiac resynchronization therapy. You can make an appointment or find out how much the implantation of an electrocardiostimulator costs on the website of a specific clinic or by phone.
Reasons for implantation of an electrocardiostimulator
Abroad, the implantation of an electrocardiostimulator is performed for the following diseases:
- bradycardia (when the sinus node causes the heart to beat too slowly);
- tachy-brady syndrome (alternating fast and slow heartbeats);
- heart block (electrical signal is delayed or blocked).
The price of implantation of an electrocardiostimulator will also depend on the complexity of the disease and the patient's state of health.
Pacemaker implantation procedure
During surgery, the patient is injected with a sedative for relaxation and a local anesthetic and connected to an ECG that records the electrical activity of the heart. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the chest, inserts a plastic tube into the vein and pushes it towards the heart to install a wire. Once the wire is inside the heart, the surgeon checks the accuracy of its location using fluoroscopy.
Then a generator is installed through an incision under the skin. At this point, the ECG makes sure that the pacemaker is working correctly. After that, the incision is sewn up, and the patient is sent to the ward for recovery.
