Pacemaker Implant Surgery in India | HCG Hospitals

What is Pacemaker Implantation?

A pacemaker implantation is a cardiac procedure that involves inserting a small electronic heart rhythm device beneath the skin, often below the collarbone, to assist in controlling irregular heartbeats.

When the heart beats too slowly or irregularly, the pacemaker device installed monitors its electrical activity and delivers mild electrical impulses to restore normal beating. Considered an effective bradycardia treatment, this procedure is recommended to address various heart conduction problems, namely arrhythmias, heart blocks, sinus node dysfunction, and more.

At HCG Hospitals, our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons have specialized experience in performing pacemaker implantation surgery, with a special focus on the quality of life of our patients.

How Does Pacemaker Implantation Work?

The sinoatrial (SA) node, a bundle of muscle fibers inside the heart, serves as the heart’s natural pacemaker. It helps in maintaining the normal heartbeat, which is crucial for effective blood circulation throughout the body. Problems with the SA node can lead to an irregular heartbeat.

A pacemaker is a battery-powered heart rhythm management device. Doctors implant a pacemaker under the skin below the collarbone to address an erratic heartbeat caused by various diseases and restore normal heart beating.

During the pacemaker implantation procedure, the cardiologist will create a small space beneath the skin to fit the pacemaker generator. During the procedure, the surgeon guides lead wires to the heart chambers using imaging. These lead wires are responsible for gathering the necessary measurements to determine the intrinsic activity of the heart and relaying that information back to the generator.

When the pacemaker detects an abnormally slow or irregular heart rate, it sends out low-power electrical impulses to restore the normal cardiac rhythm. This is done to restore the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. During follow-up sessions, the device can be tweaked and externally adjusted to meet the patient’s rhythm needs through programming in a clinical setting.

Depending on the conditions, medical experts may use either a single-chamber or a dual-chamber pacemaker to fulfill the goal of synchronizing the activity of the atrium and ventricles.

This cardiac rhythm control device can function constantly and adjust to varying levels of activity and resting states. Following the implantation procedure, patients are assessed to confirm that the pacemaker’s position and pacing thresholds are accurate.

Modern pacemakers are small, long-lasting, and programmable, allowing medical experts to tailor therapy to each patient’s unique cardiac rhythm.

Medical Tests Performed Before Pacemaker Surgery

Different tests that may be recommended before pacemaker surgery include ECG, echocardiogram, stress test, Holter monitoring, and electrophysiology studies.

These tests help in detecting rhythm abnormalities, conduction blockages, and pacing requirements. This data is used for clinical assessment, detailed evaluation, and optimization of pacemaker function.

Additionally, blood tests are used to monitor the patient’s electrolytes, renal function, infection indicators, and general health. This is done to ensure the patient’s safety and adequately prepare them for the pacemaker surgical procedure.

Before implanting a pacemaker into the skin beneath the collarbone, a chest X-ray is taken to evaluate the lung fields and cardiac silhouette. This is done to establish a baseline in imaging.

Once the reports are available, doctors carefully evaluate them and plan the pacemaker implantation surgery accordingly.

When Do Doctors in India Suggest Pacemaker Treatment?

Doctors may recommend a pacemaker implantation in the following cases:

  • Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia is a state of irregular heartbeat, either fast or slow; it can cause symptoms such as dizziness, exhaustion, fainting, or even stroke and heart failure. Pacemaker implantation can address irregular heartbeat issues and restore cardiac health.
  • Heart block, caused by electrical conduction delays between the chambers of the heart, is differentiated by symptoms that interfere with everyday activities as well as an insufficient heart rate. Heart block can also be distinguished by a slow heart rhythm. Artificial pacemakers can help address this issue.
  • Syncope of cardiac origin is characterized as a reoccurring episode of fainting that is unexplained and accompanied by rhythm abnormalities detected during monitoring. Pacemakers detect slowing heart rates and send electrical signals to the heart to restore normal beating.
  • Post-cardiac procedures refer to rhythm abnormalities that arise after heart surgery or ablation and necessitate the use of reliable supportive pacemakers.

Benefits of Pacemaker Implantation

Pacemakers can benefit patients in multiple ways:

  • Assisting in maintaining a stable heart rhythm, relieving symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fainting.
  • Helping improve both exercise tolerance and daily functioning. This ensures that the heart rate responds correctly to activities.
  • Allowing for both customized therapy and long-term rhythm monitoring through the unique programmable features.
  • Improving the quality of life and overall well-being in patients with various types of heart diseases.

Why Choose HCG Hospitals for Pacemaker Surgery?

HCG Hospitals, one of the best hospitals for pacemaker implantation in India, offers comprehensive cardiac care delivered by expert cardiologists. The hospital is popular among patients for making pacemaker surgeries safe, effective, and comfortable.

The following are key reasons why patients prefer HCG Hospitals for pacemaker surgery:

  • Experienced cardiologists and electrophysiologists
  • Access to new generation pacemakers, including single- and dual-chamber pacemaker options
  • Standardised pre- and post-procedure care protocols
  • Emphasis on patient education and follow-up

Need more information on getting an artificial pacemaker to regulate heartbeat? Please speak to the care team at HCG Hospitals.

Pacemaker Surgery Cost in India

A pacemaker surgery may cost anywhere from ₹80,000 to ₹3,50,000. Some hospitals charge anywhere between ₹21,000 and ₹40,000 for the surgery with separate implant charges.

It is important to note that the pacemaker surgery costs can vary from one case to another and one hospital to another due to their dependency on multiple factors.

For detailed information on pacemaker surgery costs in India, please get in touch with HCG Hospitals or any other hospital near you.

 

Factors That Affect Pacemaker Surgery Cost

The pacemaker cost can vary from one patient to another and will depend on multiple factors:

  • Type of the Pacemaker: The costs of single- and dual-chamber pacemakers, as well as advanced pacemakers from the most recent generation with added functions, vary and impact the cost of implantation.
  • The Type of Hospital and Location: The entire expenditures of the hospital are influenced by several elements, including infrastructure, operating theater needs, and the length of time patients are admitted.
  • The Clinical Expertise: The existence of expert teams and physicians that provide specialized electrophysiology services may influence professional service costs.
  • Patient-specific Factors: If the patient has underlying medications, they have to be stabilized before the procedure, and this may impact the overall treatment cost.

FAQ’S

Is pacemaker implantation painful?

In most cases, a local anesthetic and sedative are used during pacemaker placement. Patients may feel pressure or minor discomfort during therapy. After surgery, it is normal to have soreness at the incision site; however, prescription medicines can occasionally alleviate this discomfort. Patients should talk to their cardiologist about their expectations before continuing with the procedure.

How long does pacemaker surgery take?

Pacemaker surgery typically takes one to two hours; however, this time frame might vary depending on the kind of device used and the anatomy of the target patient.

When will I feel normal after the procedure?

The majority of patients may resume minor activities within a few days, but it may take several weeks for them to fully heal from their injuries. At first, you could feel fatigued or uneasy. There is no predetermined recuperation time, but medical experts provide precise directions on activity limits and recommendations for follow-up care.

Can insurance cover pacemaker costs in India?

Pacemaker surgery is covered by health insurance in India; however, policy limits, waiting periods, and permissions apply. Hence, patients should confirm their coverage with their insurance company and the hospital’s patient billing department.

Do I need lifelong follow-ups?

A frequent follow-up program is usually required to ensure that the pacemaker is functioning well and the battery is in good condition. Although the frequency of follow-up may decrease over time, it remains an important consideration. Patients must follow the therapy measures prescribed by their cardiologist. Medical Disclaimer: This information is intended to educate patients and caregivers. It does not replace professional medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified cardiologist.

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