Pacemaker therapy 1: clinical indications, placement and complications
- Coombes, Darren
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
In this article…
What a pacemaker does
When patients may benefit from pacemaker therapy
The options available and potential complications
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Key points
Pacemaker therapy is a life-saving intervention, which can also improve a patient's quality of life
Significant advances in pacemaker technology have enabled a longer battery life and a more appropriate physiological response
The type of device and number of leads is mainly determined by the indication for pacemaker therapy
The pacemaker is usually located on the left side of the patient's chest
Pacemaker implantation is considered a minimally invasive procedure but acute and chronic complications can occur
Abstract
A pacemaker is a device implanted into a patient's chest; it sends small electrical signals via leads placed in the heart and is used to treat clinically significant bradyarrhythmias. This article is the first of a two-part series introducing the concept of pacemaker therapy and outlining the clinical indications for its use. Placement, different modes of use and potential complications are also covered. Part 2 will focus on specific aspects of pacemakers and their role in improving patient quality of life.