What is Temporary Pacemaker?
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. The rhythmic beating of the heart is triggered by electrical signals. A change or interruption in these signals can cause a change in the rhythm of the heart. A pacemaker is a device that stabilizes the heart rhythm. Unlike a permanent pacemaker, which is permanently inserted in the heart through surgery, a temporary pacemaker is used to produce electric stimulus and maintain a normal rhythmic heartbeat for a few days or weeks. The temporary pacemaker consists of a pacing box, present outside the body and an electrode, which is in contact with the internal or external surface of the heart.
- A catheter (small tube) is used to transport the electrode through a large blood vessel in the groin or neck into the heart. The path of the catheter is guided with the help of live X-ray.
- Pacing wires may have already been introduced into your heart during a previous heart surgery as a safety measure to avoid potential heart rhythm problems.
These electrodes are connected to the pacing box present outside the body which sends out electrical stimulus to normalize the heartbeat.
Complications of Temporary Pacemaker
The temporary pacemaker may be associated with certain complications such as bleeding and infection of the incision, and rarely, damage of the heart wall or blood vessel.
