All You Need to Know About Temporary Pacemakers

​​A pacemaker is a life-saving device that performs by controlling the function of an abnormal heart. While most people are familiar with permanent pacemakers, temporary pacemakers help deal with critical acute heart conditions. In very few situations, these devices help and support the heart in an acute setting.

This is a complete guide to everything about temporary pacemakers: definition and function, procedure, advantages and disadvantages, and cost of implantation.

What is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a medical device that helps control abnormal heartbeats by sending electrical impulses to stimulate the heart. Pacemakers are primarily used to treat conditions like bradycardia (slow heart rate) and other arrhythmias. While permanent pacemakers are implanted for long-term use, temporary pacemakers are used in short-term situations to stabilize patients until a permanent solution is available.

Definition and Function of a Temporary Pacemaker

A temporary pacemaker is an external device that provides short-term electrical stimulation to the heart when a patient’s natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) is not functioning properly. This device is commonly used in emergencies, post-surgical recovery, or during medication adjustments. In contrast to a permanent pacemaker, a temporary pacemaker is not implanted within the body but is attached externally by leads that are placed on or inside the heart.

Temporary pacemakers work by producing electrical impulses that ensure a consistent heart rate. They can be programmed according to the condition of the patient to provide maximum cardiac performance. Some temporary pacemakers also offer pacemaker modes, allowing medical professionals to control how impulses are delivered to the heart.

Device Structure

A temporary pacemaker consists of three main components:

• Pulse Generator: This external device generates electrical impulses to regulate the heartbeat.
• Leads (Electrodes): Wires that deliver electrical signals from the pulse generator to the heart.
• Power Source: Temporary pacemakers are battery-operated, ensuring continuous functionality during their use.

Temporary pacemakers come with adjustable temporary pacemaker settings, enabling physicians to fine-tune pacing therapy based on a patient’s condition. The parameters are pacing rate, voltage output, and sensitivity, all of which are essential in the efficient management of heart rhythms.

Indications for Temporary Pacemaker Placement

Temporary pacemakers have a use in a variety of medical conditions, some of which include:

• Bradycardia caused by heart block or drug intoxication
• Post-cardiac surgery temporary pacing in unstable heart rhythm patients bridge therapy before implanting a permanent pacemaker
• Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) leads to electrical instability
• Electrolyte imbalance affecting heart function
• Overdose of medications that cause a dangerously slow heart rate

Purpose of Temporary Pacemaker Implantation

The primary purpose of a temporary pacemaker is to maintain adequate heart function until the underlying cause of arrhythmia is resolved. Temporary pacemakers provide external temporary pacemaker support when immediate intervention is required. They help prevent complications like heart failure, fainting spells, and organ damage caused by inadequate blood circulation.

Benefits of Temporary Pacemakers

The use of temporary pacemakers offers several advantages:

• Immediate support for life-threatening bradycardia
• Non-invasive or minimally invasive placement
• Customizable pacemaker modes to suit patient needs
• Prevention of complications associated with prolonged heart rhythm disturbances
• A bridge to permanent pacemaker implantation
• Reduced mortality rates in patients with severe arrhythmias

Risks of Temporary Pacemaker Implantation

While temporary pacemakers are essential for managing cardiac emergencies, there are potential risks involved:

• Infection at the insertion site
• Lead displacement, leading to ineffective pacing
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Pacemaker malfunction or failure
• Thromboembolism (formation of blood clots)
• Pacemaker-induced arrhythmias, where abnormal heart rhythms develop due to pacing issues
• Discomfort from external device attachment

The Procedure of Temporary Pacemaker Implantation

The temporary pacemaker insertion procedure involves several steps:

1. Preparation: The patient is prepped, and local anesthesia is administered.
2. Lead Placement: Leads are inserted through a vein (typically in the neck or groin) and guided to the heart using fluoroscopic imaging.
3. Connection to Pulse Generator: The leads are connected to an external pulse generator, which delivers electrical impulses.
4. Testing and Adjustment: The pacemaker settings are adjusted to ensure optimal pacing.
5. Monitoring: The patient is continuously monitored for any complications or adjustments needed in pacing.

​​In this process, doctors can examine a patient’s pacemaker ECG spike to verify proper device function. Spikes show up as brief vertical lines on an ECG when the pacemaker discharges an electrical pulse to the heart.

How to Prepare for a Temporary Pacemaker Procedure?

Before the temporary pacemaker procedure, patients may need to:

• Stop certain medications (as advised by the doctor)
• Undergo diagnostic tests like ECG or echocardiogram
• Fast for a few hours before the procedure
• Discuss any medical history or allergies with the doctor

Patients should also ask their doctor about potential side effects and the expected duration of temporary pacemaker use.

Cost of Temporary Pacemaker in India

The cost of a temporary pacemaker cost in India varies depending on several factors, such as hospital charges, the type of pacemaker used, and the duration of hospital stay. On average, the procedure can range from INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000. In government hospitals, the cost may be lower due to subsidized healthcare, while private hospitals may charge higher fees for advanced pacing technology and specialized care.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Temporary Pacemakers in India

Several factors influence the cost of a temporary pacemaker procedure in India:

• Type of hospital (private vs. government)
• Type of pacemaker used (basic vs. advanced models)
• Doctor’s expertise and experience
• Additional medical procedures or tests required
• Duration of hospital stay and post-procedure care
• Geographical location (hospitals in metropolitan cities may have higher costs)

Difference Between Internal and External Pacemakers

A difference between internal and external pacemakers is that internal pacemakers are surgically implanted under the skin, while external pacemakers remain outside the body and are connected through leads. 

Although they are safe in general, patients need to be informed of the risks and expenses involved in their use. Knowledge of the function, advantages, and procedural aspects of temporary pacemakers facilitates informed decision-making on the part of both patients and healthcare professionals. 

Take the Next Step with Atrius Cardiac Centre

If you or a loved one need specialized cardiac treatment, Atrius Cardiac Centre has got you covered. Our staff of highly experienced cardiologists has expertise in temporary pacemaker treatments, providing you with customized care plans that place your heart above all else.

Schedule a Consultation Today! Your heart deserves the best—trust Atrius Cardiac Centre for compassionate, expert cardiac care.