Pacemaker

You may need a pacemaker if you experience:

• Unexplained dizziness or fainting
• Unusual fatigue, even at rest
• Shortness of breath during light exertion
• Palpitations or sensations of skipped beats

These symptoms may indicate that your heart is beating too slowly or irregularly. A pacemaker may be recommended in several situations:

• Symptomatic bradycardia: abnormally slow heart rate causing symptoms
• Atrioventricular block: conduction disorder between the atria and ventricles
• Sick sinus syndrome: dysfunction of the sinus node (the “natural pacemaker”)
• After certain cardiac complications such as a heart attack
• Side effects of certain medications that are necessary but slow the heart

The pacemaker is made up of two main components:

An impulse generator:

• Small metal case (about the size of a pack of chewing gum)
• Contains a long-lasting battery and a sophisticated electronic circuit
• Continuously monitors your heart rhythm
• Sends electrical impulses only when needed
• Automatically adapts to your activities (rest, walking, exercise)

The leads:

• Flexible, insulated wires connected to the generator
• Placed in the heart through a vein under the collarbone
• Transmit electrical impulses to the heart muscle
• Also detect the heart’s natural electrical activity

The pacemaker acts like a bodyguard for your heart – it intervenes only when necessary and remains on standby the rest of the time.

There are several types of pacemakers, adapted to each situation:

Single-chamber pacemaker:

• A single lead, usually placed in the right ventricle
• A simple solution for certain rhythm disorders

Dual-chamber pacemaker:

• Two leads: one in the right atrium and one in the right ventricle
• Helps maintain coordination between the atria and ventricles
• More closely reproduces the heart’s natural rhythm

The choice of pacemaker type will be determined by the specialists at the Rythmopôle Center according to your specific medical situation.

Pacemaker implantation is a common and well-controlled procedure:

Before the procedure:

• Pre-consultation to evaluate your situation
• Specific tests (electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound)
• Short hospital stay (usually one night)

During the procedure:

• Procedure performed under local anesthesia (you remain awake)
• Duration: about 30 to 60 minutes
• Small incision (3–4 cm) under the collarbone, usually on the left side
• Precise guidance of the leads to the heart under radiological control
• Immediate tests to check proper functioning

After the procedure:

• Monitoring for 24 hours in the hospital
• Personalized programming of the pacemaker
• Discharge home the next day in most cases

At the Rythmopôle Center, this procedure is performed by experienced specialists, ensuring optimal safety and effectiveness.

After a short recovery period, you will be able to resume a normal life:

The first weeks:

• Avoid wide arm movements on the implantation side for about a month
• Keep the scar clean and dry
• Report any abnormal signs (redness, swelling, fever)

Long term:

• Gradual resumption of physical and sports activities (according to medical advice)
• You can travel anywhere (including by plane)
• Use your mobile phone and electronic devices
• Regular but infrequent medical follow-up (1–2 times per year)
• Possibility of home remote monitoring for distance follow-up

Patients often report a dramatic improvement in their quality of life after implantation, regaining energy and confidence.

Modern pacemakers are well protected against interference, but a few precautions are still useful:

• Mobile phones: safe to use, but keep at least 10 cm away from the pacemaker
• Security gates: walk through normally without lingering (show your device card)
• Household appliances: safe to use without restriction (microwaves, electric shavers)
• Induction cooktops: keep a distance of 50 cm
• MRI scans: possible with most modern pacemakers, under specific conditions

Your medical team at the Rythmopôle Center will provide you with a device card and personalized advice tailored to your lifestyle.

Modern pacemakers are designed to last:

• Battery: 7 to 15 years depending on the model and usage
• Generator replacement: a simple and quick procedure when the battery runs out
• Leads: generally kept during replacement

Regular follow-up makes it possible to:

• Check the condition of the battery
• Ensure proper functioning of the leads
• Adjust the settings if necessary
• Analyze the data recorded by the pacemaker

The Rythmopôle Center stands out for:

• #1 in France with 1,225 pacemakers implanted each year
• A team of specialists dedicated to heart rhythm disorders
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Personalized and attentive care
• High-quality follow-up with the option of home remote monitoring

Our recognized expertise allows us to offer you the solution best suited to your situation, with complete safety.