Pacemakers

During the Procedure

• A local anesthetic is given by injection to numb the area where the pacemaker will be inserted. This keeps you from feeling pain during the procedure.

• An incision is made where the generator is placed.

• The lead (transmits to and from your heart) is guided through a vein into your heart’s chambers using x-ray monitors.

• The pacemaker generator is attached to the lead or leads.

• The pacemaker’s settings are programmed to help your heart beat at a rate that’s right for you.

 

After the Procedure

• You will stay in the hospital a day or two.

• Your pacemaker settings will be rechecked.

• Follow the instructions you are given for caring for the implantation site. You will likely be told not to raise the arm on that side for a certain amount of time.

• Take your temperature and check your incision for signs of infection every day for a week.

• Return for a follow-up visit as directed by our staff.

When to Call Your Doctor Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following: You feel any of the symptoms you had before the pacemaker was implanted (dizziness, lightheadedness, lack of energy or fainting spells). Your chest muscles twitch. You have a rapid or pounding heartbeat or shortness of breath. You feel pain in the area around your pacemaker. You have a fever over 101.0°F, or other signs of infection (redness, swelling or warmth at the incision site).