Cardiac pacemaker is a group of cells within the heart that together induce contractions and control the pace of the heart. When the cardiac pacemaker does not function properly an artificial pacemaker is placed which sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle to provide proper heart rhythm.
An artificial pacemaker identifies the heart’s natural electrical rhythm. If there is any irregularity in the normal heartbeat, it imparts a short low voltage pulse to stimulate the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). Some pacemakers are capable of stimulating both the upper and lower chambers. Latest advance in artificial pacemaker is a miniature-sized, leadless type that can be directly implanted inside a patient’s heart without surgery using a catheter-guided procedure (interventional procedure). Its pulse generator lies within the unit in the heart.
Artificial pacemakers may be used to treat arrhythmias, congestive heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
