Pacemakers

A pacemaker is an electrical device that keeps your heart beating if you have an abnormal heartbeat.

Overview

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What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small electrical device that sits under your skin near your collarbone. It sends electrical pulses to your heart to keep it beating regularly. 
You may need to have a pacemaker fitted if you have bradycardia (an abnormally slow heartbeat), or you may need to have a different type of cardiac device fitted if you have tachycardia (an abnormally quick heartbeat). Having a pacemaker can significantly improve your quality of life. 
At Welbeck, pacemakers are fitted and monitored by our leading cardiologists in our state-of-the-art Heart Health centre.

Simple pacemakers

The most common type of pacemaker is known as a simple pacemaker. The device is about the size of a matchbox. It consists of a pulse generator, which contains a battery and a tiny computer circuit, and attaches to your heart via 1 or more wires. If your pacemaker senses that your heart has missed a beat or is beating too slowly, it sends a signal at a steady rate through the wire to your heart. 

Other types of pacemakers

Alternatives to a simple pacemaker are known as complex pacemakers. These include:
  • leadless pacemakers – a small self-contained device which is implanted directly into the bottom chamber of the heart, the ventricle, eliminating the need for wires (leads) and a separate battery pack under the skin
  • implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) – these are similar to pacemakers. If your heart beats at a potentially dangerous, abnormal rate, your ICD sends a larger electrical shock to your heart, essentially ‘rebooting’ it to get it pumping again. ICDs are often used as a preventative measure if you’re potentially at risk of a cardiac arrest in the future
  • subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) - these are different to the conventional ICDs. An S-ICD comprises a generator that sits on the side of the chest, under the left arm, with a lead buried under the chest, going from the device to the middle of the chest (not in the heart)
  • cardiac resynchronisation pacemakers (CRTs) – these are used to help improve your heart's rhythm and the symptoms associated with an abnormal heartbeat. A CRT uses up to 3 wires to monitor your heart rate, detect any heart rate irregularities, and emit tiny pulses of electricity to correct them. A CRT is used to ‘resynchronise’ your heart

What does having a pacemaker fitted involve?

Having a pacemaker fitted is sometimes called pacemaker surgery or pacemaker implantation. It’s considered a straightforward procedure and can usually be done under local anaesthetic. The procedure takes between 60 and 120 minutes.
During the procedure, your cardiologist will:
  1. Give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area so you won’t feel any pain. 
  2. Cut just underneath your collarbone.
  3. Pass the wire (or wires) for the pacemaker through a vein and into your heart.
  4. Make a pocket under your skin.
  5. Insert the pacemaker into the pocket.
  6. Run tests on the pacemaker to make sure it’s working.
  7. Close the cut with dissolvable or nondissolvable stitches.
You’ll need to recover in our post-procedure pods before going home.

What are the risks of having a pacemaker?

Most people make a good recovery after having a pacemaker fitted. The procedure has a low risk of complications and is usually very safe. 
As with all surgical procedures, there are some potential side effects and complications. These include:
  • infection at the pacemaker box or on the wire
  • lead displacement (where the lead moves from where it was originally positioned)
  • bruising where the pacemaker was inserted
  • blood clots
  • pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
  • pacemaker syndrome (your own heartbeat and the pacemaker interfere with each other)
  • pacemaker malfunction (the device stops working properly or fails)

Using electrical appliances

Any electrical equipment that produces a strong electromagnetic field can interfere with a pacemaker. Most household appliances, such as microwaves and hair dryers, won’t cause a problem if they’re used 15cm or more away from your pacemaker.
If you ever get dizzy or feel your heart beating faster while using an electric appliance, it’s important to move away to allow your heartbeat to return to normal.

How to prepare for having a pacemaker

Your consultant will let you know if you need to stop taking any medications before your procedure. They’ll also tell you if and when you need to fast (stop eating and drinking) for your procedure.
Arrange for someone to pick you up after the procedure, as you won’t be able to drive immediately afterwards.

Recovery and aftercare

After your procedure, you’ll need to keep the area around your cut dry for some time. Your consultant will let you know how long to do this for and whether your stitches need to be removed or will dissolve on their own.
You’ll be asked to avoid any vigorous activity for around 4-6 weeks after having your pacemaker fitted. This includes lifting and cardio exercise. You may, however, be asked to practice certain arm and shoulder movements to keep them mobile. Most people recover and resume their normal activities within 6 weeks.
Your consultant will see you for follow-up appointments where they’ll check up on your pacemaker and how you’re feeling. They may want to make some adjustments to your pacemaker.

Cardiac device checks at Welbeck

Pacemakers and other cardiac devices should be checked regularly – usually every 12 months. At Welbeck, we offer regular cardiac device checks, performed by our cardiac physiologists. 
During a cardiac device check, your specialist will test your device to assess its functionality and ensure that it’s programmed optimally for your needs and cardiac history.

MRI for Patients with Pacemakers 

For many years, people with pacemakers were told they couldn’t have MRI scans because older pacemakers were not designed to be used safely in an MRI scanner.
In our dedicated Heart Heart centre, we’ve developed significant expertise and are among the few hospitals in the country able to safely and effectively scan patients with almost all types of pacemakers and defibrillators.
Learn more about our MRI service for patients with pacemakers here.

How much does a private pacemaker cost?

Please contact our Heart Health centre for pricing information.

Why choose Welbeck?

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Booking a private pacemaker fitting

To book a pacemaker fitting, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this procedure.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

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Pacemakers

Introduction

A Pacemaker is a small electrical device that se...

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Aftercare

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This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

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