

Because a larger incision is made in the chest, this procedure is usually performed under a general anesthesia and you will be asleep.
#HEART MONITOR IMPLANTS GENERATOR#
#HEART MONITOR IMPLANTS SKIN#
The pulse generator will be slipped into a small pocket made just beneath the skin of your upper chest or your abdomen.From time to time, you may be asked to take deep breaths or cough vigorously in order to test the placement of the leads.Once the leads are in the best locations, they will be plugged into the pulse generator.The leads will be tested to ensure they are working correctly.Once in the heart, the leads will be attached to the inside lining.A thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted into a blood vessel and, using a fluoroscope (similar to an X-ray picture to visualize the catheter), threaded into the heart.You will be given a sedative to help you relax and local anesthetics in areas that are involved in the procedure (usually the upper chest area).You will be awake throughout the procedure.This is the most common procedure for implanting a pacemaker.Have had any recent change in your health.Have body piercings on your chest or abdomen.Have a history of kidney problems or diabetes.Have any bleeding problems or are taking blood-thinning medication.Have ever had a reaction to any contrast dye, iodine, or any serious allergic reaction (for example, from a bee sting or from eating shellfish).Your doctor will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure and you will be asked to sign a consent form.īefore the procedure starts, inform your doctor if you: Various tests, such as blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram, and other tests may be performed. A week or so before your operation, you will probably be asked to visit your hospital.

Usually, the procedure is scheduled ahead of time. The ICD is then placed under the skin, either near the collarbone or somewhere above or at the waistline.

Once the leads are in place and tested, they will be connected to the ICD unit. Subxiphoid approach: This approach is also similar to a thoracotomy, but the incision is made slightly to the left of the breastbone (sternum).A sternotomy may be combined with coronary artery bypass surgery or heart valve surgery. The difference is that the incision is made over the breastbone (the sternum) and the leads are advanced into the heart. Sternotomy: This approach is similar to a thoracotomy in that the chest is opened.These patches are connected to the leads. Thoracotomy: In this approach, your chest is opened and thin oval patches made of rubber and wire mesh are sewn onto the outside of the heart (epicardium).The tip of each lead is positioned next to the inside wall of the heart (the endocardium). In this method, a small incision is made near your collarbone and the leads are maneuvered through a vein into the heart. Transvenous approach: Transvenous means through a vein.There are several ways of implanting the leads of an ICD: It is performed to treat abnormal heart rates or rhythms (arrhythmia), particularly if they have not responded well to drug therapy (medication). In this surgical procedure, surgeons implant a device called a pacemaker, which regulates heart rate and rhythm.
