Introduction
The irregular or improper beating of the heart is termed arrhythmia. This occurs when electrical signals that coordinate the heart’s beats fail to work properly. Faulty signals lead the heart to beat faster or too slowly, or irregularly. Symptoms of this condition include chest pain, fainting, fluttering in the chest, and dizziness. A pacemaker is a tiny device that is used to treat the heart rate and control the heartbeat. This helps to maintain heart rhythm and prevent it from beating too slowly or fast. It is an implanted device in the chest, and a surgical procedure is required to install it. This device is also called a cardiac pacing device.
How Does a Pacemaker Work?
A pacemaker is composed of three parts: one or more leads, a pulse generator, and an electrode on leads. This creates signals that make a heartbeat when the beat decreases too slowly or is irregular. The pulse generator is a small case made up of metal having an electronic circuit with a battery and computer that regulates the impulse that is sent to the heart. The leads consist of an insulated wire that is connected to the devices at one end and heart chambers on the other end. They deliver electrical impulses to the heart and also sense the heart’s electrical activity. If the heartbeats increase higher than the programmed limit, the pacemaker monitors it and does not pace. New technology is programmed according to work demand only, so it may not interfere with the natural heartbeat.
What Are Dissolvable Pacemakers?
The pacemakers weigh less than half a gram and are half the size of a paperclip, which extends from 15.8 millimeters and fits in an individual's heart. It looks like a key shaped bandage.This pacemaker looks like a key-shaped bandage and is placed outside the heart muscle. This device receives wireless signals and controls heart rhythm, and can be programmed to dissolve after some weeks. This prototype consists of no wires and lead batteries like a normal pacemaker. It is a noninvasive device and easy to insert. While uncommon, damaged heart tissue or infections may occur with the tools that are used to sustain or remove traditional pacemakers. These dissolvable pacemakers can mitigate those risks and also serve as temporary devices for individuals waiting for permanent pacemakers to arrive.
The dissolving feature of the pacemaker helps in preventing another invasive procedure of removing anything from patients' bodies after the treatment. This device is made up of vitamin pills like small amounts of magnesium, silicon, and iron which are safely broken down in the body of an individual.
What Are the Indications for Dissolvable High-Tech Pacemakers?
Pacemakers are mostly indicated with heartbeat difficulties and conditions where the heart fails to pump adequate blood to the body. The condition where the heart beats too slow or fast, and when the body shows symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, and fainting due to not receiving enough blood supply.
The conditions included are:
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Tachy-Brady Syndrome: Altered slow and fast heartbeats.
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Bradycardia: Occurs when the sinus node leads to a slow heartbeat.
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Heart Block: Occurs due to delayed or blocked electrical signals from the sinoatrial (SA) node.
What Is the Common Risk of Traditional Pacemakers?
The leads of the traditional pacemakers are removed when the pacemaker is no longer needed. The insertion of this lead has a small risk of infection, which could dislodge the lead from its current position. Removal of lead carries a risk of infection. If scar tissue is formed surrounding the lead, this can make the removal more difficult and can damage the heart. The common risks that occur due to traditional pacemakers are
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Swelling, bleeding, or bruising the pacemaker site, especially if the individual is on blood thinners.
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Collapsed lung. ( a condition where air leaks in the chest cavity and creates pressure).
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Damage to the nerves or blood vessels near the pacemakers.
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Infection at the site where the device is implanted.
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Heart perforation ( It is a rare but potentially fatal complication of permanent cardiac pacing systems).
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Pneumothorax. (This condition occurs when air leaks into the space between the chest wall and lung, this air pushes on the outside of the lung and makes it collapse).
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Lead dislodgement ( It is one of the most common complications of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices implantation).
What Are the Pacemaker Precautions?
The following precaution should always be followed after getting a pacemaker:
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Always carry an ID (identity) card stating the pacemaker is installed, and wear a medical identification bracelet that states the individual has a pacemaker.
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Let the airport screeners know prior that a pacemaker is installed in the individual, also inform the hand-held detector devices politely, as these detector wands should not be held near the pacemakers for a longer time, as they contain magnets and may affect the programming of the pacemaker.
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Abstain from diathermy heat used procedures in physical therapy for muscle treatments.
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Large motors, boats, and cars should be turned off if not working close to them, as they may create a magnetic field.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures should be avoided as large magnets, and magnetic fields are used in this imaging technique.
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Avoid coming in contact with radar machinery, electric arc welders, smelting furnaces, and television radio transmitters.
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Avoid trauma to the pacemaker (device to control an irregular heart rhythm) or area near where it is placed, as it may affect its functioning.
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Always consult your provider before starting any new physical activity, sport, or use of any equipment near the pacemaker.
Conclusion:
Pacemakers are great technical devices that help in regulating regular heartbeat in chronic diseased conditions. Traditional pacemakers are widely used but can lead to uncommon infections and damaged heart tissue, while their removal can occur by tools that are used to sustain the pacemakers. Like stitches that dissolve after they are no longer needed, this prototype of pacemakers adopts a similar approach for individuals who require temporary cardiac support. Dissolvable pacemakers could mitigate the risk of traditional pacemakers and also serve as a temporary device that individuals can wear during the waiting period till they receive permanent pacemakers.
