Cardiac Pacemaker is a device that is placed in the chest or abdomen of the patient to help control abnormal heart rhythm. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. A pacemaker is used when a patient is having Bradycardia, which means permanent or temporary low heart beat, or asymptomatic AV or ventricular conduction disturbance. It checks and records the heart beat every minute. Pacemakers consist of two components: an electronic pulse generator and lead,which is inserted inside the Heart. The Pacemaker provides electric pulses through the lead that causes the heart muscles to contract and regulate the electrical conduction system of the Heart.
Pacemakers are of two types: Temporary and Permanent depending on the individual's heart condition.
A Permanent Pacemaker consists of a pulse generator and lead where one end of the lead is connected to the pulse generator and the other end, which has electrodes (sensor) is inserted into the heart. The electrodes sense the heart's electrical activity and transfer data through the wires, to the programmed pulse generator. If the heartbeat is abnormal, then the pulse generator sends electrical pulses to the heart. These pulses travel through the lead, to the heart and correct the irregularities in the heartbeats. A permanent pacemaker can be, either a single chamber or a dual- chamber.
A Temporary Pacemaker is used during emergencies at hospitals. It can be used until the heart rhythm is stabilized, normally for a few days. In temporary cardiac pacing, the leads are inserted to the heart and the other end of the lead is connected to an external pacing box, which delivers an impulse to the heart to make it beat normal.