Pacemaker Surgery & Risks
Pacemakers are commonly used to treat heart conditions that cause abnormal rhythms or arrhythmias. They can be implanted just under the skin, or they can be put outside the body and the wires can be connected via a catheter insertion. The surgical procedure usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital for monitoring. Although risks are low, it is still important to understand what the possible complications are before having the surgery.
Infection
On occasion, after a pacemaker is implanted the site will become infected. The risk of infection affects everyone who has had a break in the skin either from a surgical incision or a cut. Before the surgery the physician will prescribe an antibiotic, and the area where the pacemaker will be placed will be shaved and cleansed with an antimicrobial solution to reduce the risk for infection. According to The Mayo Clinic, infections will cause redness, weeping an unusually painful wound.
Swelling
There is also a risk for swelling when pacemakers are implanted. According to The Mayo Clinic, edema can cause swelling from excess fluid backing up in the body. It can cause swelling of the extremities (arms, legs, hands, fingers or ankles). Swelling is a sign that a serious complication has occurred and you should see your physician immediately. In addition to edema, swelling can also occur around the incision site if there is an infection.
Fainting & Lightheadedness
There are times after a pacemaker is implanted that a person can experience some fainting or lightheadedness. This can be caused if the pacemaker is not working properly or if the person has additional heart problems such as bradycardia that causes the heart to beat so slowly and inefficient to pump enough blood throughout the body. As a result, bradycardia will result in lightheadedness and fainting if it is not discovered.
Bleeding
Bleeding can occur for several different reasons. Bleeding can occur at the incision site and if the person was on anticoagulants (which thin the blood) they are at an increased risk for bleeding. As a result, the physician will clearly explain how and when he wants you to stop taking your anticoagulants before the procedure. In addition, bleeding can occur if the if the heart is punctured. This can occur when the physician is connecting the wires from the pacemaker to the heart through a catheterization procedure. If a puncture occurs in the heart, then the person's life can quickly become in danger.
Blood Clots
Blood clots can also be a risk to a person undergoing a pacemaker placement procedure. A blood clot can be released through the catheterization procedure that is done to connect the wires to the heart from the pacemaker device. Sometimes blood clots adhere to the sides of the artery and can be scraped off as the catheter tube is worked through the artery. If this occurs, it can cause a stroke or a heart attack.
Heart Damage
Although damage to the heart rarely occurs, it does sometimes happen. Heart damage can occur if there is an error made by the physician during the procedure. It can also occur if a blood clot is released and causes a heart attack. Heart attacks can cause major damage to the heart muscle. Fortunately, this risk is small because you are monitored closely during and after the procedure to prevent such a thing from happening.
Tags: According Mayo, According Mayo Clinic, after pacemaker, after pacemaker implanted, also occur, also risk, attack Heart
