Benefits and Risks of Temporary Pacemaker

Patients with severe heart rhythm disorders are treated with temporary pacemakers (TP) as an emergency care. They are often employed for older patients who have uncooperative and unstable blood circulation issues and who are in poor overall health status, as well as in emergency situations. Since they reduce fatalities in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia (a type of heart rhythm disorder), temporary pacemakers are essential.

In order to treat heart rhythm issues like bradyarrhythmia or tachyarrhythmia until these disorders resolve or until long-term therapy can be started, some doctors prefer temporary cardiac pacing using electrical cardiac stimulation using temporary pacemaker. Temporary pacing is used to restore normal blood circulation when a fast or slow heart rate has severely compromised it. When pacing is expected, prophylactic use of temporary pacing is also an option. Temporary pacing may save a life in certain circumstances.

What is a Pacemaker?

A battery-operated, compact gadget called a pacemaker prevents the heart from beating too slowly. To receive a pacemaker, surgery is required. The device is positioned close to the collarbone under the skin.

When a patient's bradycardia becomes life-threatening, temporary cardiac pacing is often used to treat them until a permanent pacemaker (PPM) is implanted. With the help of electrical stimulation, a heart that has been damaged by disruptions in the conduction system and is experiencing blood circulation instability can be stimulated temporarily.

When a bradyarrhythmia is a transient condition and a permanent pacemaker is either not required or not readily available, a temporary pacemaker is used to treat the condition.

Purpose of Temporary Pacemaker Implantation

When a bradyarrhythmia results in symptoms and/or severe haemodynamic impairment, temporary cardiac pacing is generally recommended. Permanent cardiac pacing is either not immediately indicated, not available, or there is risk of implanting a permanent pacemaker outweighs the potential benefit. Temporary cardiac pacing is primarily used to treat severe symptoms and/or bradycardia-related haemodynamic instability, or to stop potential deterioration that could lead to instability in blood circulation. When bradycardia arises from an acute, reversible cause that probably won't need long-term pacing, temporary cardiac pacing is recommended.

Benefits of Temporary Pacemaker

Following are the benefits of temporary pacemaker implantation:

• It helps in immediate heart rate control, especially in emergency cases of bradycardia (slow heart rate) or other arrhythmias
• It ensures that the heart maintains an appropriate rate and rhythm in acute situations like myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery recovery, or medication-induced bradycardia.
• It aids in the detection and management of transient arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities, enabling medical professionals to track the heart's response to therapy and make required adjustments.
• For patients who require time to stabilize before undergoing more permanent procedures, temporary pacemakers can act as a bridge to permanent pacemaker implantation.
• For patients who require some time to stabilize before undergoing a more permanent procedure, temporary pacemakers can act as a bridge to permanent pacemaker implantation.
• Compared to a permanent pacemaker, the temporary pacemaker implant procedure is less invasive, usually requiring just a small incision and local anesthesia.
• Temporary pacemakers allow doctors to adjust the pacing to meet the patient's current needs and evolving health conditions because of their flexibility in settings and adjustments.
• It helps to provide a short-term solution for patients who require pacing support only for a limited period.
• By giving a patient temporary pacing to see if their symptoms improve, it enables testing whether the patient will benefit from a permanent pacemaker.
• In order to ensure that the heart continues to function normally during the period of medication adjustment that affects heart rate and rhythm, temporary pacemakers can be extremely important.

Risks of Temporary Pacemaker

Following are the risks associated with temporary pacemaker:

• Infection
• Bleeding and Hematoma
• Lead Dislodgement
• Heart Muscle Perforation
• Arrhythmias
• Pneumothorax
• Vascular Complications
• Pacemaker Malfunction
• Discomfort and Pain
• Limited Mobility
• Psychological Impact
• Electrical Interference

Procedure of Temporary Pacemaker Implantation

First, local anesthetic is administered and the insertion site is aseptically prepared. This procedure is usually carried out in a controlled clinical setting, such as an intensive care unit or cardiac catheterisation lab. The pacemaker lead is then guided into the heart by a catheter or sheath that is inserted into a large vein, usually the femoral, jugular, or subclavian vein. The lead is advanced to the right ventricle or atrium and positioned for ideal pacing with the aid of fluoroscopic guidance. An external pacemaker device is attached to the lead and programmed to provide the necessary pacing therapy. To ensure correct lead placement and function, the patient's heart rhythm and vital signs are continuously monitored during the procedure.

Cost of Temporary Pacemaker in India

The average cost of a temporary pacemaker in India may range from Rs. 50, 000 to Rs. 55,000. However, the price of temporary pacemakers in India may vary according to a number of factors. 

Factors Affecting Cost of Temporary Pacemaker in India

The temporary pacemaker cost in India varies according to following factors: 

• The cost of care can differ greatly between larger and smaller cities, with prestigious hospitals potentially charging more.
• Renowned and experienced cardiologists may charge more for the surgery.
• Pacemaker prices can vary depending upon various parameters of the device.
• The total cost may increase if more tests, prescription drugs, or follow-up visits are required.
• The type of room, amenities, and degree of care offered by the hospital can all affect the cost of surgery.
• The amount of money that is spent out of pocket depends on the health insurance policy's coverage limits.

Conclusion

For patients with severe cardiac rhythm disorders, temporary pacemakers are an essential intervention that offers fast stabilization in an emergency. Their advantages include quick heart rate regulation, assistance in emergency situations, and serving as a stopgap measure before permanent pacemaker implantation. They are particularly helpful in ensuring that the heart keeps a proper rhythm during periods of recovery and in managing temporary arrhythmias. But there are risks associated with the procedure, like the possibility of infection, lead dislodgement, and vascular complications, which need to be closely monitored and managed.

Choose Artemis Cardiac Care, one of the best heart hospital in Chennai for the best heart care. If you or your loved one is suffering from heart rhythm issues and want complete information on benefits and risks of temporary pacemaker, book an appointment now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: In what ways can a temporary pacemaker be useful in an arrhythmia emergency?
A: In an emergency, it rapidly stabilizes the heart rate to ensure healthy heart and circulation.

Q2: Is it possible to modify a temporary pacemaker to meet a patient's needs?
A: Indeed, it provides setting flexibility to accommodate the patient's needs at the time.

Q3: What typical risks come with having a temporary pacemaker?
A: Infection, bleeding, lead dislodgement, perforation of the heart muscle, and arrhythmias are among the risks.