Pacemakers Flashcards
Where are wires of a pacemaker fed through?
Left subclavian vein
What can pacemakers interact with? (5)
○ MRI scans (due to powerful magnets) - Many modern pacemakers are MRI-compatible
○ TENS machines (used for pain management)
○ Diathermy (used during surgical procedures).
○ Some smartphones may interact with pacemakers if held too close.
○ Devices with strong magnets (e.g., handheld security scanners at airports) can affect the pacemaker function.
What are 5 indications for a pacemaker?
• Symptomatic bradycardias (e.g., due to sick sinus syndrome)
• Mobitz type 2 heart block
• Third-degree heart block
• Atrioventricular node ablation for atrial fibrillation
• Severe heart failure (biventricular pacemakers)
When are implantable cardioverter defibrillators used?
In patients at risk of VT of VF e.g.
- precious cardiac arrest
- hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- long qt syndrome
If pacemaker lead is in atria what would you see on the atria?
Line before each p wave
If pacemaker lead was in the ventricle what ecg changes would be seen?
Line before each QRS complex
Where can leads from a single chamber pacemaker be placed?
Right atria
Or
Right ventricel
What would a pacemaker lead be placed in the right atrium?
If problem tissue is in the SAN and conduction through the AVN is normal
Why would a pacemaker lead be placed in the right ventricle?
If conduction through AVN is abnormal
What are the 3 types of pacemaker?
Single chamber
Dual chamber
Biventricuksr/triple chamber pacemaker
Where are leads in a biventricular pacemaker placed?
• Right atrium
• Right ventricle
• Left ventricle.
When is a biventricular pacemaker indicated?
Severe heart failure
