Pacemaker Placement

Overview

If your heartbeat is too slow or irregular, an electronic pacemaker can help steady your heart rate. A pacemaker emits electrical impulses that trigger your heart to beat at a more regular rhythm. Pacemakers are recommended for people if they have a slow heart rate that leads to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

Various pacemaker types serve distinct purposes tailored to individual patient needs.

Single-chamber pacemakers transmit electrical signals from the generator to the right ventricle of the heart. Dual-chamber pacemakers, on the other hand, send electrical impulses to both the right ventricle and right atrium while coordinating the timing of contractions between these chambers. Lastly, biventricular pacemakers stimulate both lower heart chambers, enhancing overall heart efficiency.

Pacemakers offer several benefits, including:

Enhancing the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, thus supporting vital organs and bodily functions.
Boosting energy levels.
Alleviating shortness of breath.
Facilitating a return to regular daily activities.

Reach out for more details about pacemaker implantation

Call (585) 275-4775

UR Medicine's Approach

What to Expect

Pacemakers are implanted during a simple surgical procedure performed by a doctor who specializes in heart rhythm disorders.

You’ll receive medication through an intravenous (IV) to help you relax, but you remain awake during the procedure.
You’ll be given an anesthetic to numb the skin at the site of the incision, just under your left collarbone.
The wires from the pacemaker are directed down your veins until they make contact with your heart.
The other ends of the leads attach to the generator of the pacemaker, which is placed in a pocket created beneath your skin.
The surgery typically takes two to three hours.
Usually, you’ll be able to follow up with your main cardiologist for monitoring of the device.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine is considered a world leader in electrophysiology, the specialty that includes pacemakers. Our research has helped improve treatments for patients around the world.

We offer three fully equipped electrophysiology labs for the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, all staffed by experienced nurses and technicians who work exclusively with patients who have heart rhythm disorders. Our team implants thousands of pacemakers every year.