Pacemaker Implantation (Monitor and Regulate Heartbeats)

· Those in Mexicali who need a heart-related treatment.
· Those with irregular heartbeats.
· Those with symptoms indicating abnormalities of heartbeats
· Those who wish to have normal heartbeats and healthy lifestyle.
· Those who wish to prevent heart-related complications afterward.

Pacemaker implantation is a procedure performed to surgically allocate pacemaker into the patient's chest or abdomen to help control the heartbeats of the patient by sending electric pulses and hence the rhythm of the heart would either increase or decrease, depending on the condition.

Abnormal heart rhythm may cause serious problems because it means the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to the body. Oppositely, if the heart rate is too fast or irregular, the heart chambers are unable to fill up with sufficient blood to pump out with each beat, this also would result in the body not receiving enough blood and can lead to further complications such as fatigue, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, etc.

Pacemaker is a small but functional device used for monitoring and regulating abnormal heartbeats.

A pacemaker is composed of 3 parts: a pulse generator, one or more leads, and an electrode on each lead. The pacemaker signals the heart to beat when the heartbeat is too slow or irregular, and vice versa.

Pacemaker implantation at our affiliated hospital is performed by Dr. Delgado Hurtado, under general anesthesia through a small incision, about 1 inch wide. You will be required to arrive at least a day before the surgery to proceed with pre-op screenings. Placement of pacemaker will be determined during the pre-op session, either on the chest or abdomen. The procedure takes approximately 1 hr to complete and the patient will have to stay hospitalized for a night in order for doctors and nurses to monitor closely with the recovery process.

1. Application of general anesthesia
2. Incision of an inch will be made
3. Placement of the pacemaker in the allocated part of the body (chest or abdomen)
4. Activation of the pacemaker
5. Closing of the incision

These are some examples of the heart-related problems which may require a pacemaker to treat:
· Bradycardia - occurs when the sinus node causes the heart to beat too slowly
· Tachy-Brady syndrome - characterized as alternating fast and slow heartbeats
· Heart block - occurs when electric signals delay or blocked after leaving the SA node

<Advantages>
· Manages heartbeat
· Monitors and regulates heartbeats
· Signals the normal pumping of the heart
· Prevents abnormalities that could lead to fatal conditions

<Limitations>
· Some activities and procedures may be limited after pacemaker implantation

· You are required to notify the doctor on sensitivity or allergies to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general)
· Fasting for at least 6 to 8 hrs is required prior to the procedure
· It is important to notify the doctor if you are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant
· It is necessary to notify doctor all the current medications (prescription and over-the-counter), including herbal or other supplements that you are taking
· Heart valve disease is to be notified
· Under any circumstances that antibiotic is necessary to be taken prior to the treatment should be notified to the doctor
· Patient with history of bleeding disorders or currently taking blood-thinning medications will need to notify the doctor
· The doctor may request a blood test prior to the procedure to determine the time your blood would take to clot, this often includes other blood tests as well
· Other specific preparations may be requested depending on the condition

Day 1 - Arrival in the airport or designated location with transportation to the hospital. Pre-Op testing and consultation will be done. You will spend the night in the hospital
Day 2- Surgery day, recovery in hospital
Day 3- Post-Op consultation, you will be eligible to go back home or hotel. Transportation provided back to the airport if necessary.

· Keep the incision site clean and dry
· Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least 3 weeks after the surgery
· Avoid pulling anything heavy for a few weeks after the surgery
· Arm movement on the side which pacemaker was placed will be limited
· Always remember to notify about the pacemaker to the staffs at the airport screening and elsewhere such as hospitals
· Avoid diathermy (the use of heat in physical therapy to treat muscles)
· Avoid high-voltage or radar machinery

Q1: Does the treatment hurt?
A1: No, general anesthesia will be applied prior to the surgery.

Q2: How long will the treatment be?
A2: The treatment can be completed approximately within 1 hour.

Q3: Can I go back home immediately after the surgery?
A3: No, at our affiliated hospital it is advised to stay hospitalized for 1 night after the surgery.

Q4: How long can the battery in pacemaker last?
A4: The battery can last up to 1 year.

Q5: How heavy is the pacemaker?
A5: Pacemaker is about the size of a matchbox and smaller, weighs 20 to 50 g.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)