Implantable Heart Devices - ICD, Pacemaker LVAD Surgery

ICD and Pacemaker Surgery In Coimbatore

Patients who are suffering from irregularities in heartbeat rhythms may become fatal if left untreated and will have to undergo corrective surgery. They may be suffering from a condition of rapid and fast heartbeat which is called tachycardia. In such patients, cardiologists decide to put an implantable device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). People who are suffering from slower heartbeats than normal, called bradycardia, need a pacemaker to be inserted under their skin to manage irregular heartbeat. Dr.Muthus Hospitals provides peacemaker surgery in Coimbatore with well-experienced and well-qualified surgeons and provides you with the best treatment.

Symptoms of Tachycardia and Bradycardia

Following are some common symptoms of tachycardia and bradycardia:

Dizziness and fainting
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Chest pains
Memory problems
Seizures
Repeated palpitations.

Diagnosis

Following are the tests performed for an accurate diagnosis before proceeding with a heart device implantation:

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

This is a quick and painless diagnostic procedure that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Holter monitor

This is a portable ECG device to be worn at home for a day to record the heart’s rhythm during normal activities.

Event monitor

This is also a portable ECG device to be worn for a month’s duration or until the patient exhibits symptoms.

Transthoracic echocardiogram (echo or TTE)

A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a type of echocardiogram that provides still or moving images of the internal regions of the heart using ultrasound.

Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

A Transoesophageal echocardiogram is a type of echocardiogram which makes use of echocardiography to assess the working of the heart.

Tilt Table Test

In a tilt table test, a patient is made to lie down on a table horizontally which is then made to rotate vertically to resemble the position of standing up.

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Treatments and procedures offered by Dr.Muthus Hospitals

1. ICD - Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

What is an ICD?

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an implant designed to monitor heart rhythms all day long. An ICD continuously monitors the heart and automatically delivers therapies to correct fast rhythms when necessary.

How does an ICD work?

If a patient’s heart is beating too fast or irregularly, the ICD device will send small painless electric signals to correct the heartbeat rhythms. If the fast heartbeat continues, the ICD device will deliver a shock to restore the heart rate to normal rates. After the ICD device is implanted, a cardiologist can monitor and program the device using an external computer called a programmer, and retrieve information from the device to assist the patient in the heart failure treatment. The cardiologist will schedule periodic monitoring if deemed necessary.

When is an ICD needed?

Ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are two heart rhythm irregularities that can prove to be fatal if left untreated. A cardiologist may recommend ICD for a patient if any of these episodes trouble the patient or are at a high risk of developing these heart rhythm irregularities.

An ICD implant may be recommended for people who:

had a prior episode of sudden cardiac arrest
had one or more episodes of ventricular tachycardia
had one prior episode of ventricular fibrillation
have a history of heart attack and have an increased risk of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest
have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

2. Pacemaker

What is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is an electrical medical device that is implanted under the skin to help manage arrhythmias and treat some types of heart failures. A pacemaker generates electrical impulses that help the heartbeat at a normal rhythm, rate, or both.

How does a pacemaker work?

The sinus node of a person’s heart is responsible for sending electrical impulses for maintaining the normal rhythm of the heart. When there is a malfunctioning of the sinus node or there are blockages in the pathway of an electric signal to the atria, the pacemaker temporarily takes over the role of the sinus node. Electrical impulses sent by the pacemaker make the heart contract on demand. However, pacemakers do not send electric shocks.

Why Choose Dr.Muthus Hospitals in India?

When is a pacemaker needed?

A patient may need a pacemaker transplanted in any of the following conditions:

The patient has a type of heart blockage that hinders or delays electric signals travelling through the heart and makes heartbeats slower,
Medications for treating arrhythmia are not working and the heartbeats have become dangerously fast,
The patient has a case of heart failure that causes the heart to beat out of sync.
A pacemaker is often life-saving for such patients and greatly improves the quality of life. A pacemaker is lightweight, small-sized, and barely noticeable after being implanted.

How do Dr.Muthus Hospitals help?

The multidisciplinary team at Dr.Muthus Hospitals provides treatment at par with international standards backed by unmatched medical expertise and the latest technology. We perform conventional as well as minimally invasive surgical procedures to benefit patients in terms of shorter hospital stays and recovery periods with excellent clinical outcomes and also provide a very reasonable and affordable peacemaker surgery cost in Coimbatore.

FAQs

Is an ICD implant a safe procedure?

An ICD implant is generally a safe procedure. However, risks are involved in any invasive procedure. Special precautions are taken to decrease patient-specific risks.

Will an ICD cure my heart problems?

An ICD will not cure your heart problem completely. An implantable defibrillator is placed in connection to the heart muscle and works instantly if your heart’s rhythm changes. Oftentimes, ICD will be used in combination with an “antiarrhythmic” medicine where the ICD is a backup method by providing pacemaker surgery in Coimbatore to protect you in case your heart rate increases dangerously despite using the medication.

Do ICD device shocks hurt?

The ICD device delivers a shock to restore the normal heart rhythm and prevent it from beating too fast. The ICD recognizes the arrhythmia symptoms and sends shocks that can come across as startling, jolting, and unsettling but not painful.

Can I exercise after getting a pacemaker?

Most people can go back to normal exercising as it is healthy to do some light exercises. However, rigorous exercises should be avoided after the Pacemaker surgery in Coimbatore. You should consult with your doctor on how to get back to normal physical activities gradually.

Will I be able to feel the pacemaker or ICD?

You may be able to see it as a bump under your skin. However, you may not feel wherever the implant is placed under the skin and any sensation that may be there due to the Pacemaker surgery in Coimbatore should go away with time.

Can I participate in activities wearing a pacemaker?

You should not have any problem participating in activities you used to do before getting the pacemaker surgery in Coimbatore. However, you should consult with your doctor to know about any limitations and how you can get back to your normal lifestyle.

Why do I need to replace my pacemaker or ICD?

A pacemaker or an ICD works on batteries that last up to 7 years after the Pacemaker surgery, depending on use. The battery or the pulse generator needs to be replaced after that time.

Can I travel after getting a pacemaker or ICD implant?

There should be no trouble travelling after getting an ICD implant, however, you should consult with your doctor if it is safe for you to travel yet after the pacemaker surgery.
In case you are travelling by air, the airport security detectors are generally safe. You should remind the security staff that you have an implant and discuss the screening procedure thereafter. You should have your ID with you wherever you travel.
In case you drive, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor, and you may be cleared for driving if deemed fit by your doctor.

Can mobile phones interfere with a pacemaker or ICD implant?

Mobile phones do not interfere with the working of a pacemaker or ICD and vice versa. However, you should avoid keeping the phone in your breast pocket and avoid holding the phone towards the side where the implant or pacemaker surgery has been done.

LVAD Surgery In Coimbatore

In the case of chronic heart failure, a left ventricular assist device, or LVAD, is a mechanical pump implanted below the heart. Blood is pumped from the left ventricle to the aorta and throughout the body through the device. This is usually referred to as “the bridge to transplant”. While patients with severe heart failure will require open-heart surgery in order to implant the LVAD, it is a lifesaving procedure. Certain patients cannot receive heart transplants as part of their “destination therapy”. LVADs can be used for long-term treatment in this instance, allowing patients to prolong and improve their lives.

LVAD surgery is performed at Dr.Muthus Hospitals in an environment that’s supportive, caring, and compassionate, providing the best quality and advanced technology available. Our doctors across a variety of specialties provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans.

An LVAD/heart transplant selection committee will evaluate you in order to determine whether an LVAD is the best treatment. This committee may include the following individuals:

Cardiologists who specialize in heart failure.
Cardiothoracic surgeons.
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners.
Social workers.
Bioethicists.
Palliative medicine specialists.
Cardiac rehabilitation specialists.
Dietitians.
Pulmonologists or kidney physicians.

What is the LVAD device?

An LVAD is designed to assist your weakened left ventricle with pumping blood. Portable devices have been made available in recent years instead of bulky machines. While waiting for a kidney to become available, you can continue to live your normal life with the LVAD installed in your body. A number of tests must be performed before an LVAD can be implanted to determine whether you are a good candidate.

LVAD Evaluation

Echocardiogram: The aim of an echocardiogram is to quickly and efficiently obtain valuable information about your heart using ultrasound or harmless sound waves. Echocardiograms are often used to determine the size, shape, and operation of your heart and its valves by our doctors.

(VO2) exercise test: Determines how much oxygen your heart and lungs can deliver to your muscles.
Right heart catheterization: Measures the pressure in your heart.
Left heart catheterization: Uses dye to examine your coronary arteries in the left heart.
Electrocardiogram (EKG): A test that records the electrical impulses from the heart. This is used to determine the heart’s rhythm, the size of its chambers, and the thickness of its muscles.
Laboratory tests: Test blood type, organ function, and disease exposure.
Chest X-ray
Pulmonary function test: Checks whether you smoke or have smoked in the past.
Carotid and peripheral ultrasounds: Detects blockages in certain blood vessels.
Colonoscopy
Mammogram
Dental exam: To determine your oral health
Eye exam
Psychosocial evaluation
Insurance clearance: This includes covering the cost of surgery, as well as tests and medications after transplantation

In order to determine if you have a good chance of receiving a heart transplant, your doctors may need to conduct other tests.

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Psychosocial/Psychiatric evaluation

In order to determine your candidacy as an LVAD recipient, you will undergo a detailed psychosocial evaluation from an LVAD specialist.

The following things will be assessed
What do you understand about the LVAD process?
Caregiver availability before and after implant.
Coping and stress management challenges.
Keep up with your current medication regimen.
Your mental health history.
History of Substance use.

The Selection Process

After all testing and psychosocial evaluation are complete, your entire LVAD team, including surgeons, cardiologists, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, financial counsellors, and more, will meet to review your case.

Procedure

To determine your eligibility for a VAD, you will be tested for your heart function and health. These include chest x-rays, echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (EKGs), blood tests, and cardiac catheterization.

VADs are implanted through open-heart surgery performed under general anaesthesia. You will be completely asleep during the procedure and will not feel anything. The operation will take four to six hours. Following the procedure, you will be taken to the intensive care unit for further recovery. Until you are awake and able to breathe on your own, you’ll be on a respirator, or breathing machine.

The hospital staff will teach you how to maintain and protect the device, and what to do if there is an emergency during your hospital stay. Within a few days of leaving the hospital, you and your care provider will both be experts in your device.

In order to reassure them that you have a VAD, we will communicate with your primary care provider and local emergency services to inform them of your condition and to explain how this affects your care.

FAQs

Who can receive an LVAD?

LVADs are only used for patients whose hearts are sick enough to require one, but not too sick overall–otherwise, the LVAD is too risky. We perform a number of objective tests to determine if the heart is badly affected enough, as well as if the rest of the body is in good shape.

An LVAD/heart transplant selection committee will review your case after the evaluation has been completed. A weekly meeting determines whether an LVAD is a suitable treatment for you. Another option is to continue medical treatment or undergo heart transplantation or even LVAD Surgery In Coimbatore.

Is it possible to shower, have sex, travel, or work after a VAD implantation?

Upon undergoing a VAD, patients can engage in many of the same activities people who don’t have heart failure can. Many can ride bicycles and hike, and some can even return to work. A few minor accommodations will allow them to shower, have sex, and travel. The LVAD patient after LVAD Surgery In Coimbatore cannot swim or play contact sports or be away from a power source.

What is the benefit of an LVAD?

Heart disease can weaken the heart enough that an LVAD Surgery In Coimbatore helps restore blood flow. You’ll experience fewer symptoms, such as being constantly exhausted or short of breath, after using this therapy.

When the heart is given a chance to rest, it can return to its normal function. It helps maintain or improve other organs, allows the injured person to exercise, and allows them to undergo cardiac rehabilitation.

How Does an LVAD Work?

In LVAD Surgery In Coimbatore, LVADs function as pumps, just as the heart does. Implanted beneath the heart, they function as pumps. A portion of the fibrous tube is attached to the left ventricle, the chamber of the heart where blood is pumped out of the heart. The Aorta, the body’s main artery, is connected to the other end.

A pump is used to pump blood from the heart. The LVAD moves blood into the aorta when sensors indicate the device is full.

Bypassing through the skin, the tube exits the device. A tube connected to the pump is called the driveline, which connects the pump to the controller and power source.

Open-heart surgery is required in order to implant the pump and its connections. Several components remain outside the body, including a computer controller, a power load, and a reserve power load. These external units can sometimes be worn outside on a belt or harness.