Pacemakers
Regulating Heartbeats with the Newest Devices
Our electrophysiologists at Providence Heart Institute of Spokane are experts in finding the right device to treat irregular heartbeats, also known as arrhythmias. We implant thousands of pacemakers each year, using the newest and smallest devices possible to help you feel better and bring peace of mind. And once your pacemaker is in place, we provide regular heart monitoring and ongoing care you can trust – at a location near you.
Treatment Overview
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device placed under the skin that delivers timed, electrical pulses to the heart through wires called leads. These impulses help regulate your heart rhythm – especially if your heartbeat is slow.
The implantation procedure for most pacemakers is minimally invasive, requiring only local anesthesia and a small cut in your chest. Usually, we insert the pacemaker just below the collarbone and thread the leads through blood vessels until they reach the heart. At Providence Heart Institute of Spokane, we also offer more advanced pacemaker options, including the leadless Micra, which is as small as a vitamin capsule and can be inserted through a vein.
Pacemaker implantation usually takes up to 2 hours, followed by monitoring to ensure the device functions properly. Most people get back to their regular daily activities in a few days.
You can expect your pacemaker’s battery to last 5 to 15 years. Battery replacement requires a minor surgery at one of our many outpatient locations throughout the region.
What to Expect
With any heart procedure, it helps to know what you can expect in advance. We’re here to guide you before, during and after your procedure – answering any questions, helping you prepare for surgery and recovery, explaining potential risks and offering whatever support you need along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both pacemakers and ICDs are implanted devices that help manage arrhythmias, commonly known as heart rhythm issues. The implantation procedure for these devices is similar, but they serve different purposes.
A pacemaker helps correct slower heart rates, while an ICD detects faster, life-threatening heart rates. In response to abnormal heart rhythms, a pacemaker uses low-energy electrical impulses to keep the heart rate steady. An ICD is slightly more complex and delivers a high-energy shock to reset dangerous heart rhythms. It can also act like a pacemaker when needed, delivering low-energy pacing.
Yes, your doctor will discuss any restrictions with you after you have a pacemaker implanted. You may need to avoid heavy lifting and activities, such as contact sports, that could damage the device.
Other devices with strong magnetic fields can also interfere with pacemaker functionality, so you should try to avoid getting too close to them. Examples include cell phones, metal detectors, microwaves and electrical generators.
If you have medical procedures, you’ll want to tell your doctor about your pacemaker. Some procedures, including MRIs and shockwave therapy, can cause pacemakers to malfunction.