Cardiac pacemakers are a marvelous life-saving technology. While their purpose to regulate heart rhythm and rate is well-known, fewer people know about the importance of design for these devices. Let’s look at the tech and components within pacemakers.
How Do They Work?
Pacemakers, in their most basic sense, kickstart the heart using electrical impulses. In most cases, the small device has one or more connected leads. These leads attach to the box that contains a battery and computer. The computer’s memory records the heart’s rhythm to pick up abnormalities.
If abnormal readings are detected, the pacemaker sends an electrical impulse to encourage the heart to return to its normal heart rate. The device is placed beneath the skin, close to the collarbone, by a doctor during surgery. The exact procedure and the length of it depends on the type of pacemaker and other factors. While many people go home the same day as the surgery, others have to stay in the hospital longer.
Common Components of a Pacemaker
While there are different designs, generally, a pacemaker has a pulse generator, which generates the electrical pulses, at least one lead (some models have two or three), and an electrode for each lead.
The pulse generator is composed of a box with a battery and electrical parts. As for the leads, each one is made of thin, flexible wire that is well-insulated. The wires have a crucial function of sensing what the heart is doing. If a wire senses that the heart is slower than it ought to be, for example, it sends an electrical impulse to stimulate the heart to return to its normal rate. The number of leads depends on the specific heart condition.
Pacemaker Technology History
The first implantable cardiac pacemaker dates back to 1958. That was when the first one was put into a human body. The exact date of the procedure was October 8th, 1958, and engineer Rune Elmqvist is known for being the pacemaker inventor. The procedure was done by surgeon Ake Senning in a Stockholm hospital late at night in the operating room to avoid publicity.
Over the years, pacemaker technology has come a long way. Becoming more flexible and automatic has helped the device improve in reliability and, in turn, be used more successfully. They have also become smaller in design. Other improvements are a longer battery lifespan and the ability to monitor the heart device from afar.
Remote Monitoring of Pacemakers
A small monitor or smartphone tracks information from the pacemaker, sending details to a doctor’s office. This info alerts the medical office to any issues with the heart readings. This process can reduce ER and doctor visits. It can also improve life quality and give peace of mind to the person with the implanted device. The doctor usually suggests which monitoring option is best for the individual patient.
Conclusion on Pacemaker Technology
Pacemakers are an impressive solution for electrical problems with the heart, such as a very low heart rate. They are made of well-crafted and durable components to withstand the body’s internal processes. Want to read more about the heart? Let’s look at the connection between heart health and microplastics.
