Pacemaker Implantation - Methods

A healthy heart beats with a frequency of 50-80 beats per minute when at rest. This beating power rests on a complex system of electrical impulses which are spread out over the entire heart. The so-called sinu-atrial node in the right atrium serves as the "impulse generator". It conducts the electrical impulses through the atria into the heart ventricles. Thanks to these impulses, the atria and then the ventricles contract, causing the blood to be pumped into the main artery (aorta) as well as the lung arteries in order to provide the entire body with blood.²
When this sophisticated system of stimulus generation is disturbed, the supply of oxygen-rich blood to important organs is no longer guaranteed. The following results may occur: feelings of weakness, a reduction in physical abilities, and shortness of breath under stress and at rest, a feeling of tightness in the chest area, vertigo, and even unconsciousness.

A pacemaker sends impulses to the heart which enables it to beat regularly again when irregularities arise. Such a pacemaker system consists of an impulse transmitter and an electrode which forms the connection between the impulse transmitter and the heart. The electrode conducts the heart's own signals to the impulse transmitter as well as electrical impulses to the heart. This two-way signal transmission is the basis on which the pacemaker adapts its impulse generation to the individual needs of the heart. It registers the performance of the heart and only goes into action when the heart's rhythm is too slow or irregular. In this way, the pumping capacity of the heart is automatically controlled.¹

Depending on the type of cardiac rhythm disturbance, various pacemakers can be installed. The single-chamber pacemaker has only one electrode which is anchored in either the right atrium or the right ventricle. A dual-chamber pacemaker possesses 2 electrodes that are anchored in the right atrium and the right ventricle.³
The implantation of a pacemaker is usually done using local anesthesia and requires only a small incision 4-6cm (1.5-2.4in) in length underneath the right or left clavicle.¹