A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted in the chest or abdomen to help regulate abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. It consists of a pulse generator and leads (thin wires) that are connected to the heart.
The primary function of a pacemaker is to monitor the heart's electrical activity and deliver electrical impulses to the heart muscle when necessary to maintain a normal heart rhythm. This is especially important in cases where the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, is not functioning properly or when there are disturbances in the heart's electrical conduction system.
Pacemaker implantation is typically performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure is minimally invasive. After implantation, the pacemaker is programmed to meet the individual needs of the patient, and regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor its function and adjust settings as needed.