During the procedure
You will be asked to undress and put on a gown. You will be given a local anesthetic that will numb the areas of your chest involved in the procedure and a sedative that will help you relax. The sedative might make you drowsy.
The surgeon will insert a wire into a large vein near your collarbone and pass it through to your heart. X-ray images are used to guide the surgeon to the correct area of the heart. The wire is then attached to your heart. The other end is attached to the machine that generates electrical impulses (pulse generator). The pulse generator is then inserted just under the skin near the collarbone through a small incision in the skin. Once the pacemaker is in place, the incision will be closed with stitches.
Pacemaker surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours.
After the procedure
You will be taken to the recovery room after the procedure. It is normal to feel some pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the area where the pulse generator was implanted. You might be prescribed some pain medication to help you with the discomfort.
You will usually have to stay in the hospital overnight. Before you are discharged, your doctor will make sure the pacemaker is set properly. Your doctor will monitor your heart rate and heart rhythm periodically after the procedure.
Some electrical devices can interfere with pacemaker activity, such as medical imaging equipment. Ask your doctor about the precautions you should take once your pacemaker is in place and when you can return to your normal activities.
The pacemaker battery generally lasts 5 to 10 years. Your doctor will check it periodically and replace it if necessary.