About this surgery
We offer pacemaker surgery to insert a pacemaker (a small, battery-powered device) that prevents the heart from beating too slowly.
Who might need pacemaker surgery?
A pacemaker will be recommended if your heart’s natural electrical system isn’t working properly and is beating too slowly (bradycardia), too quickly (tachycardia), or with an irregular rhythm (arrhythmia).
Common reasons for pacemaker surgery include conditions such as sick sinus syndrome, heart block, or severe heart failure. These problems may lead to symptoms such as tiredness, fainting, dizziness, or shortness of breath. A pacemaker helps by sending gentle electrical pulses to keep your heartbeat regular and maintaining a healthy pace.
Helping you prepare for pacemaker surgery
If you’re preparing for pacemaker surgery, you may have questions about the procedure and your recovery. In these short videos, our specialist cardiology team explain what to expect, helping you feel informed, supported and confident about your care.
Before your pacemaker is fitted, you will have an assessment which may involve blood tests, an echocardiogram, or chest X-ray to ensure you are ready for the procedure.
The procedure will take place in the cardiac catheter lab, often known as a ‘cath lab’ using the transvenous implantation technique. This involves:
the cardiologist making a small incision just below your left collarbone
gently inserting thin wires (known as pacing leads) into a vein and guided towards your heart using X-ray imaging
the pacing leads are positioned within your heart tissue, where they help regulate your heartbeat
the other end of the leads are attached to the pacemaker device, which is placed in a small pocket created under the skin of your upper chest, above the chest muscle
This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, and you may stay in hospital overnight for observation and recovery.
For the first two to four weeks after your operation, you will need to avoid putting strain on your wound and not take part in activities that involve lifting your elbow above shoulder level. Your wound should heal within seven to ten days and will be checked at your first follow-up appointment. The wound may be covered with a skin adhesive (glue), which will naturally peel off within one to three weeks, or dissolvable stitches. Sometimes, a dressing is applied, which should be removed after three days. If you notice any increased redness, tenderness, swelling, discharge, or if you develop a temperature, you’ll need to contact your consultant.
A pacemaker is designed to help relieve symptoms caused by a slow heartbeat, such as extreme tiredness, light headedness, and fainting. Most modern pacemakers automatically adjust your heart rate to match your level of physical activity, which may allow you to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
A healthcare professional should check your pacemaker every three to six months and it is important to let your healthcare team know if you gain weight, notice swelling in your legs or ankles, or if you faint or feel dizzy.
The battery in a pacemaker typically lasts between five and fifteen years and when the battery runs out, you'll need a minor procedure to replace it. This surgery is usually quicker, and recovery is faster than the initial pacemaker implantation.
Why choose us?
When you come to us for pacemaker surgery, you will be looked after by a team of highly skilled cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and nurses. The broad expertise and vast experience of our cardiologists and cardiac surgeons make our cardiac services team one of the best in the UK. Through our multidisciplinary team approach, we combine best practices with innovative techniques to deliver the best possible treatment.
Find out more about pacemaker surgery and get in touch
If you have any questions about pacemaker surgery or would like to schedule a consultation please contact us.
Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700
