Herzschrittmacher oder Defibrillator - Die Unterschiede kennen

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CARDIOLOGY

PACEMAKER OR DEFIBRILLATOR – KNOW THE DIFFERENCES

At the ETHIANUM, our aim is to offer you complete care for all cardiac arrhythmias from a single source. Our cardiac outpatient clinic therefore offers you the opportunity to clarify all forms of known or suspected slow or fast cardiac arrhythmia. State-of-the-art methods are available for diagnosis. In addition, the cardiac outpatient clinic offers the implantation of all types of pacemakers and defibrillators. Apart from routine outpatient follow-ups on site, our specialists are also offer remote follow-ups by telemedicine.

The specialists at the ETHIANUM all have many years of experience in the field of implantable pacemakers or cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). In addition to clinical patient care, we also train other doctors internationally in this field. Find out more about the difference between a pacemaker and a defibrillator below. You will also find further information on the implantation of a pacemaker at the ETHIANUM.

PACEMAKER AND DEFIBRILLATOR (ICD) – KNOW THE DIFFERENCES

THE PACEMAKER

  • Small device implanted under the skin or under the pectoral muscle in the area of the pectoral muscle
  • Monitors a heart rhythm that is too slow
  • The pacemaker increases heart activity via thin leads (electrodes) and artificial impulses
  • Works if the heartbeat is insufficient
  • Device follow-up 1-2 times a year at the doctor’s office or by telemetry
  • Battery life approx. 10 years

IMPLANTABLE CARDIOVERTER/DEFIBRILLATOR (ICD)

  • Fully-fledged pacemaker
  • Slightly larger compared to a pure pacemaker
  • Automatically recognises and treats rapid and dangerous cardiac arrhythmias
  • Implantation after surviving ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, for example
  • Device follow-up 2 – 4 times a year at the doctor’s office or via telemetry
  • Battery life approx. 6-8 years

IMPLANTATION OF PACEMAKER/ICD

A pacemaker or ICD is implanted with local anaesthesia through a small incision in the skin below the (usually left) collarbone. From there, the required pacemaker or ICD leads are placed through the patient’s own veins into the heart and anchored there. Once all the leads and the device itself have been placed, the wound is closed again with a few stitches. The pacemaker or ICD can be programmed wirelessly, customised to the client’s needs, and starts working immediately. Depending on the type of procedure, the operation takes between 30 and 60 minutes. As a rule, you will be admitted in the morning on an empty stomach on the day of the procedure and will be monitored as an inpatient for one night after the operation. You will be discharged the following day with precise instructions for the next steps.

SPECIAL IMPLANTATION TECHNIQUES

In addition to standard pacemakers and defibrillators, other special techniques are also used at the ETHIANUM Clinic. These procedures include the implantation of

Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) systems

  • For clients with an ejection fraction <35%
  • For left bundle branch block in the ECG
  • Implantation of CRT systems via a third lead in the area of the posterior wall

Purely subcutaneous ICD systems

  • ICD system without leads in the vascular system
  • No direct contact between the defibrillator and the heart
  • Advantageous for clients after inflammation of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis)
  • Particularly gentle implantation with local anaesthesia

Loop recorders (ILR)

  • For clients with unclear fainting spells or cardiac arrhythmia
  • Small, flat device implanted in the subcutaneous layer
  • Clients can record ECGs themselves if they have symptoms
  • Facilitated diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias
  • Gentle implantation with local anaesthetic

“Cardiac Contractility Modulation” systems

  • Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) systems support the contractility of the heart
  • Electrical stimulation to amplify and strengthen the heartbeat
  • Gentle implantation with local anaesthesia

DirecT contact

Would you like to find out more about pacemakers or defibrillators from our specialists? Are you looking for a competent heart specialist for your implantation procedure? Then don’t hesitate and make an appointment directly in our cardiac outpatient clinic. Quickly and easily online via our direct form or by telephone.

+49 6221 8723-159