A pacemaker is a two part electrical system that includes a pulse generator and one or two leads (or wires) which deliver pulses to the heart and carries signals back from the heart. The pulse generator is able to monitor the heart's activity and respond appropriately. A pacemaker helps to pace the heart when the natural rate is too slow to pump enough blood to the body.

Why would you need a pacemaker?
Sometimes the natural pacemaker of your heart stops working properly. It may improperly speed up or slow down the rate at which it sends out electrical signals. If the signal rate is too slow, the chambers of the heart do not contract often enough to supple the proper amount of blood to your body.

What is the function of the Pacemaker System?
The pacemaker alters the heart rate to help meet your body's needs. It does this by providing pacing signals that are much like the heart's normal signals. Different situations will cause the pacemaker to do different things. The pacemaker may:

• Help maintain a normal timing sequence between the upper and lower heart.
• Make sure critical lower chambers of the heart always contract at an adequate rate.
• Replace the function of the heart's natural pacemaker.

How is a Pacemaker Implanted?
The leads (wires) are positioned in the right ventricle and also in the right atrium (when needed). A pocket is formed under the skin of the upper chest. The pacemaker is then connected to its leads. Most pacemaker surgery is done under local anesthesia.

What happens after a Pacemaker is implanted?
The patient will be followed by a pacemaker clinic. Pacemaker follow-up is usually done on a defined schedule. The schedule may vary depending on who is in charge of following or checking the pacemaker. Pacemakers are checked with a special device called a programmer. A portion of the programmer is simply held over the pacemaker and is able to communicate with the pacemaker. It can obtain information about the function of the pacemaker and it can also change certain functions of the pacemaker to whatever the doctor, nurse, or technician fells is most appropriate.