A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under the skin on the chest. It uses electrical pulses to help control the heartbeat. An AICD is a similar device that is also placed under the skin on the chest, but it is used to prevent sudden cardiac death.
A pacemaker can be used to treat heart conditions such as bradycardia (a slow heart rate) and tachycardia (a fast heart rate).
Pacemakers are usually implanted by a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating heart conditions. The surgery to implant a pacemaker is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means that you will be able to go home the same day as the surgery.
During the surgery, a small incision will be made in your chest. The pacemaker will then be placed under the skin and attached to theheart with wires. Once the surgery is complete, you will be able to go home and recover.
Recovery from pacemaker surgery is typically short and easy. You may have some soreness and bruising around the incision site, but this should resolve within a few days. Your cardiologist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incision and what activities you should avoid during recovery.
