Pacemaker surgery is required when a patient is suffering from irregular heartbeats. Pacemakers can help normalize the heart rhythm in cases of fast and slow heart rate, or a blockage in the heart's system. A pacemaker is a lightweight device, the size of a matchbox and is made up of two parts – a pulse generator and wires (known as leads) which are attached to the heart walls. It is inserted just near the collarbone, usually under local anesthesia. Post-operative care is of vital importance in a delicate surgery such as this. The patient will experience mild pain at the insertion site, but that will be temporary. The patient will have a small dressing covering the incision through which the pacemaker was inserted. This dressing will be typically removed 24 hours following the surgery. There may be some swelling or bruising near the incision which is fairly normal. The surgical incision should be kept dry for about a week starting from the time of the surgery. Ensure that the patient gets the pacemaker checked at a pacemaker clinic before leaving the hospital. Any question pertaining to post-surgery care, patient activity level and any other query should be cleared with the doctor or nurse at this point. Ensure that the patient does not lift the arm above his or her head on the side where the pacemaker was inserted. This is to avoid getting the wires attached to the heart walls dislodged. The patient must avoid staying in the vicinity of devices emitting electromagnetic signals such as anti theft systems, metal detectors, MRI equipments, short-wave or microwave diathermy (used to treat arthritis, bursitis, fractures, gynecologic disorders and sinus inflammation), and magnetic mattress pads. Also, cellular phones should be kept at least 6 inches away from the pacemaker. Remember, the patient must always carry the pacemaker implantation card in case of emergency. In case the patient experiences any of the following symptoms, immediately contact your nearby health care provider: • Chest pain • Breathlessness • Continuous tiredness • Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells • Swelling of the arms, legs, wrists or ankles • Infection on the incision (redness, tenderness, swelling, oozing of liquid from the incision site, with or without fever)

take extra special care of them because u never know when technology can fail