Pacemaker
Every heart has a pacemaker. However, for most individuals the pacemaker is a natural part of their heart, called the sino-atrial node. The SA node regulates the beat of the heart, and, in-turn, the flow of blood throughout the body.
As physical activity increases, the SA node adjusts the beat of the heart to pump blood rapidly. For some, the SA node fails to function properly, not regulating blood flow the way it should. For those individuals, a pacemaker system is available to help correct the problem.
A pacemaker system is a two-part electrical system that includes a pulse generator and one or two leads, or wires, which deliver impulses to the heart. The wires also carry signals back from the heart to the pacemaker. The pacemaker then takes these signals and monitors the heart’s activity and responds appropriately. The implanted pacemaker is approximately the size of a silver dollar and as thick as two silver dollars. A battery that is sealed inside the pulse generator powers the system. Every four to eight years, as the battery weakens, the entire pacemaker must be replaced. When the pacemaker is implanted, the lead(s) are positioned in the right ventricle and right atrium (if needed). The surgeon then forms a pocket under the skin of the upper chest and connects the generator with the leads. Most pacemaker procedures are completed in two hours or less and only require local anesthesia.
Norton Heart Care is a leading provider of heart care for people throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Focused on outcomes and quality, our highly skilled cardiologists and surgeons work side by side with experienced nurses to care for both adults and children. Heart disease comes in many forms, and Norton Heart Care offers a wide range of innovative treatment techniques in multiple locations - providing advanced, high-quality care close to home. For more information about Norton Heart Care, call (502) 629-1234.
This test or treatment is offered at these facilities:
