Insertion of a pacemaker is a very common procedure. This is performed under general anaesthetic but can performed under local anaesthetic and sedation as well. The procedure takes approximately 1 hour and is performed in the cardiac catheter laboratory. This is a special room that has a patient table, X-Ray tube, ECG monitors and other equipment. The staff in the lab will all be dressed in hospital theatre clothes during the procedure will be wearing hats and masks.
Many ECG monitoring electrodes will be attached to your chest area. A nurse or doctor will insert an intravenous line usually into the back of your hand. You will also have a blood pressure cuff attached to your arm that will automatically inflate at various times throughout the procedure. There will also be considerable attention at cleaning the skin under the collarbone where the pacemaker will be inserted. You will also receive antibiotics prior to the procedure. You should ensure that you inform the doctor is you have any allergies.
The pacemaker is inserted just under the collarbone. The area is prepared with a special sterile solution that may feel cold. A large sterile sheet that will partly cover your face will cover you. You will be able to look out from under the sheet to the side and a nurse will be present at all times. You will be given oxygen to breathe by a small tube that is positioned under your nostrils.
