Pacemaker, by Chris Carr

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Figure 2. First artificial pacemaker by Hyman (7.2 KG) [B]

1971 - Galvani published his discovery on the electrical stimulation of frog legs from an electric eel [2]

1802 - First successful experiments to electrically stimulate the heart of animals by Aldini in Paris [2]

1862 - Walshe states that it is possible to treat cardiac arrest with electrical stimulation of the heart [2]

1872 - Boulogne successfully stimulates the human heart of a person suffering from arrhythmias [2]

1927 - Hyman developed an apparatus to stimulate the heart and give it a normal beat [2]

1932 - First artificial pacemaker was developed by Hyman and New York University [2][B]

1958 - First implanted external cardiac pacemaker by Furman, Verzeano, Webb and Kelly [1,2]

1959 - Elmqvist and Senning developed the first completely implanted pacemaker [2]

1959-Present Day - Increased battery life and monitoring, decreased size

2001 - First wireless pacemaker was produced by BIOTRONIK [11]

Health Issues

There are quite a few cardiac diseases that require a pacemaker; a few of the common ones include cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, and heart failure. Most of these issues are closely connected and can cause one of the other issues as a side effect. One of the most common diseases, that also leads to many other complications, are cardiac arrhythmias. This is when the heart can’t correctly coordinate its beats, whether it’s an irregular beat, too fast or too slow. One type of arrhythmia is bradycardia; this is where the heart beats too slowly at less than 60 beats per minute. Reasons behind this can be a malfunctioning sinoatrial node or heart block. The first one is just when the main signaling node isn’t working properly. Heart block on the other hand is when the electrical impulses are being blocked from the main sinoatrial node and require the atrioventricular node instead (which is slower). This is a perfect example of where a pacemaker can be of aid by stimulating the heart when it’s not beating fast enough [1,4,8,10].

The other two diseases mentioned relate a lot to bradycardia and its side effects. Syncope, which is fainting, occurs when there is not a large enough flow of blood bringing oxygen to the brain. This is typically due to decreased circulation from the heart which is a symptom of bradycardia. There are two main types of heart failure, systolic and diastolic failure. Systolic failure is when the heart has difficulties pumping blood out. Diastolic failure is when the heart can’t fill up with as much blood as needed. These issues can cause blood to back up into other areas around the body which is known as congestive heart failure [7,9,10].

Current Technology

Figure 3. Rate pacemaker during different activities throughout the day [D]

There are a couple of different types of pacemakers: demand, fixed rate, and rate responsive. A demand pacemaker is where it sends out an electrical signal when the heart needs it (i.e. the heartbeat has dropped below the minimum programed amount). A fixed rate pacemaker sends out electrical signals at the same interval to achieve a steady heartbeat. Rate responsive pacemakers are the most complex of the two. These pacemakers fluctuate based on activity by sensing body vibrations and breathing [3,13].

Of these categories there are three different setups which are based on the number of leads: single chamber, dual chamber, and biventricular pacemakers. A single chamber pacemaker has one lead which is attached to one of the atria or ventricles. With the help of measuring the heart’s voltage difference it knows when to provide electrical stimulation (a form of “demand pacing”). This type of pacemaker is good for a person who only experiences issues periodically. A dual chamber pacemaker has two leads that are in one atrium and ventricle, as seen in Figure 4. This mimics a normal heart beat and is one of the most commonly used pacemakers. A biventricular pacemaker has three leads; the leads are in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle [1,3,5].

Procedure and Side Effects

Figure 4. Dual chamber pacemaker [D]

Implanting a pacemaker is a relatively short procedure and typically takes around 1 hour for completion. The patient starts off by taking sedatives and then being put under by anesthesia. Next the doctor makes a small incision, 2-3 inches long, in the upper chest region right under the collar bone. With the help of a real time x-ray (fluoroscopy) he or she guides the leads through a vein into the heart as seen in Figure 4. After attaching the leads to the pacemaker, the surgeon programs the device for the appropriate medical condition. Along with this, the pacemaker is also tested before being placed into the patient. Lastly, the doctor inserts the pacemaker right beneath the skin and stitches the incision back up. On average the patient stays in the hospital overnight for monitoring [6][C].

Although there are not that many negative side effects from a pacemaker surgery, there are a few that could cause serious harm. One effect that is typically observed right after surgery is an abnormal heart beat. This is usually due to either improper insertion or a malfunction of the pacemaker. As with almost all surgeries there is a chance of infection, but it is uncommon due to sterile tools and antibiotic medicine. In some cases there is a chance of damage to the surrounding blood vessels and nerves. This is a result of an accidental incision to either one; however it can typically be repaired with no further side effects. One of the most serious but rare effects is damage to the heart. This is a result of the pacemaker cutting into the heart and causing internal bleeding which requires immediate attention [12].



[2] Van Den Berg, JW., J. Homan Van Der Heide, and J. Nieveen. "Historical Survey of Electrical Stimulation of the Heart." The Artificial Cardiac Pacemakerk: Its History, Development and Clinical Application. By H. Thalen. Netherlands: Royal VanGorcum, 1969. 29-39. Print.

[3] Stroobandt, Roland, and Alfons Sinnaeve. "Text: Overview of Cardiac Pacemakers." Cardiac Pacemakers Step by Step: An Illustrated Guide. By S. Barold. Elmsford: Blackwell, 2004. 291-301. Print.

[4] Gregoratos G, Cheitlin MD, Conill A, Epstein AE, Fellows C, Ferguson TB Jr, Freedman RA, Hlatky MA, Naccarelli GV, Saksena S, Schlant RC, Silka MJ. ACC/AHA guidelines for implantation of cardiac pacemakers and antiarrhythmia devices: a report of the ACC/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee on Pacemaker Implantation). J Am Coll Cardiol. 1998;31:1175-1206.

[5] "Abnormal Heart Rhythms and Pacemakers." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[6] "Surgery: What to Expect - Implanting a Pacemaker." Surgery to Implant a Pacemaker Is Quick, and Typically Done under Local Anesthesia., 2010. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[7] "Understanding Fainting -- the Basics." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[8] Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Heart Arrhythmias." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Feb. 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[9] Board, Editor. "Heart Failure - Overview." PubMed Health, 23 Jan. 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[10] "Pacemakers." Cardiovascular Replacement Therapy in Children. Http://, n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[11] "New Generation of Pacemakers." New Generation of Pacemakers., 27 Aug. 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[12] Pritchard, Joseph. "What Are the Side Effects of a Pacemaker?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., 30 May 2011. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.

[13] Shea, Julie B. "Pacemaker Insertion and Long-term Follow-up.", 2 June 2012. Web. 20 Feb. 2013. <>.


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