Pacemaker

The implantation of a pacemaker is carried out by the country’s leading Cardio surgeons in the private clinic “Herzliya Medical Center” in Israel. All types of cardiac rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) are diagnosed by selecting the most optimal methods of the treatment in the Cardiology Department of the clinic. The patients who underwent pacemaker implantation in Israel suggest that it is possible to return to the active lifestyle in a rather short period of time after the examination.

What is a pacemaker?

The heart rate and the synchronization of the operation of the chambers are regulated by the cardiac conduction system. This autonomous system is responsible for the development and transmission of electrical impulses that lead to muscle contraction. Arrhythmia arises from the disruption of the functions of the cardiac conduction system. Fortunately, with the help of artificial electrostimulation, it is now possible to normalize the conducting system.

The pacemaker is a device with the battery which allows it to function continuously for 5-15 years (an average of 6-7 years). The pacemaker consists of:

• The generator of electrical impulses.
• Sensors and a microcomputer. These components primarily analyze the heart rate. The microcomputer also controls the operation of the generator and directs the corrective pulses through the ones that are implanted in the hearth electrodes.

All components of the pacemaker are located subcutaneously and do not cause any unpleasant feelings, discomfort or cosmetic defects. The device does not limit the patient in his movements and bathing, it is also invisible.

Types of pacemakers

The clinic “Herzliya Medical Center” uses the most modern pacemakers from the best manufacturers in the world. These devices are highly reliable and can operate for many years. There are several types of pacemakers. Both, the choice of the device and the type of stimulation depend on the type of disturbances in the heart rhythm. Among the main methods of pacemaking, the following shall be emphasized:

• Constant stimulation. With this technique, the pacemaker generates electrical impulses at a constant frequency, regardless of the activity of the centers of the cardiac conduction system;
• Stimulation that is synchronized with the activity of the cardiac conduction system. This main method of functioning that modern heart rate drivers follow allows perfect adaptation from the device’s action to the changing needs of the organism. Stimulation is carried out based on necessity, that is, in the absence of a physiological impulse, disturbance of its conduct or the occurrence of foci of pathological activity.

Several types of pacemakers are distinguished depending on the location of electrodes:

• A single-chamber pacemaker – the electrode is located in the right ventricle;
• Two-chamber pacemaker – the electrodes are located in the right atrium and right ventricle;
• Biventricular pacemaker (resynchronization therapy, CRT) – the electrodes are located in the right atrium and both ventricles. This method of pacing is applicable for patients with heart failure caused by the disturbance of the synchronization of the contractions of the heart chambers.

The real revolution in the field of cardiology was caused by pacemakers that allow cardioversion and defibrillation (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, CRT-D). In addition to controlling the rhythm of the heart, these devices diagnose ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation of the ventricles. The electric discharge instantly suppresses the activity of ectopic foci, returning the heart rhythm to normal.

All kinds of modern models of pacemakers are available in the “Herzliya Medical Center” at affordable prices.

Indications and contraindications for the application of pacemakers in Israel

The main indications for the implantation of the pacemaker in Israel include:

• Arrhythmias caused by the disturbance of the function of the physiological pacemaker – the sinus node;
• Atrial fibrillation, not amenable to pharmacological control;
• Attacks of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation;
• Heart failure caused by cardiac synchronization disorders.

Indications and contraindications for the use of a pacemaker are determined by the specialists of the Herzliya Medical Center clinic based on the data obtained with a complete electrophysiological and functional examination of the heart.

How is the pacemaker implantation performed?

The implantation of a pacemaker does not require intervention to the open heart. Most patients are discharged for further outpatient treatment 24 hours after the surgery. The procedure is performed under either local or general anesthesia and consists of the three following stages:

• Injection of electrodes with the help of minimally invasive intravascular intervention: electrodes are injected into the peripheral vein in the heart, with the help of which electrostimulation can further take place;
• Subcutaneous implantation of the control unit of the pacemaker;
• The connection of the electrodes to the control unit.

The specialists of the clinic conduct a full check and individual adjustment of the microcomputer in the pacemaker during the first day. The follow-up ambulatory monitoring helps to diagnose the necessity for additional calibration of the device in time. In order to avoid the negative influence of external factors (powerful electromagnetic fields) on the pacemaker, patients receive full information about both, the frequency of follow-up and the necessary precautions before discharge.

Reviews from the patients who underwent an operation for the implantation of a pacemaker in the clinic of Herzliya Medical Center

The high professionalism and humane attitude of the multidisciplinary team, the main task of which includes complete rehabilitation and prevention of severe complications of cardiac arrhythmias, are highly appreciated by the patients of the department of cardiology of the leading private clinic of Israel. The feedback received from patients who have been diagnosed and implanted with pacemakers at the Herzliya Medical Center clinic testify to the excellent results of the treatment performed over the years. It is important to note that in addition to the prevention of life-threatening complications, acceptable prices for pacemakers and the relatively low cost of their implantation in Israel can significantly reduce the cost of medical treatment that is essential to maintain the cardiac function.