Permanent Pacemaker

A pacemaker is implanted in the catheterization laboratory. The patient is given sedation through an intravenous line as well as a local anesthetic to the chest wall. A small incision is made and a generator is implanted. There are one to two wires that will be threaded through a vein into the right side of the heart. The generator and wires will be connected and the incision will be closed with sutures/staples. The device will be tested prior to leaving the room. A dressing will be applied and the patient is taken to the holding room where a chest x-ray will be obtained. The patient will spend the night in the hospital to be monitored overnight. The procedure will take about an hour.