How Does Cardiac Pacemaker Work and What Are The Different Types of Pacemaker?

 






Active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) are medical devices designed to be introduced totally or partially into the body for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. They provide patients with a new level of quality of life. AMIDs include a wide range of devices, such as implantable cardiac pacemakers, pacemaker units, implantable kidney dialysis systems, implantable breast pumps, implantable insulin pumps, etc. A cardiac pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps to regulate the heart rate. A cardiac pacemaker senses when the heart beats irregularly or very slowly and helps the heart beat more regularly.

A cardiac pacemaker regulates the function of the electrical conduction system of the heart. Some pacemakers can also record the heartbeat to help the doctor better understand heart rhythm. In the past, MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) was not allowed in patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers. However, technological advancements have made it possible. MRI can now be safely performed in patients with cardiac pacemakers. In the United States, many medical device companies have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and have launched pacemakers that are MRI compatible.

In Singapore, around 1,000 cardiac devices (including pacemakers) are implanted every year. Recently, a new type of pacemaker, the leadless pacemaker, has been developed that can be placed directly in the heart. The National Heart Center Singapore was the first in Singapore to introduce leadless pacemaker in patients. Furthermore, Italy reported an urgent pacemaker implantations during the six weeks before and after the COVID-19 outbreak (coronavirus).

Three types of pacemakers are available commercially, such as single chamber pacemaker, dual-chamber pacemaker, and biventricular pacemaker. Most pacemakers have two components, such as a pulse generator and a pacing lead. The pulse generator produces electrical pulses, while the pacing lead carries these signals from the pulse generator to regulate heartbeat. The pacemaker implantation is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes one to two hour to complete.

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