Artificial Cardiac Pacemaker

Artificial Cardiac Pacemaker

An artificial cardiac pacemaker is a medical device that generates electrical impulses delivered by electrodes to contract the heart muscles and regulate the electrical conduction system of the heart. The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's natural pacemaker is not fast enough, or there is a block in the heart's electrical conduction system. Modern pacemakers are programmable and can select the optimum pacing modes for individual patients.

History

The development of the artificial pacemaker has involved several innovations over the years. The first external pacemaker was developed in 1950 by Canadian electrical engineer John Hopps, based on research by Wilfred Bigelow and John Callaghan. The first implantable pacemaker was introduced in 1958 by Arne Larsson, with the device being designed by Rune Elmqvist.

Types

There are several types of pacemakers, including:

• Single-chamber pacemakers which stimulate either the right atrium or the right ventricle.
• Dual-chamber pacemakers which stimulate both the right atrium and the right ventricle, coordinating their contractions.
• Biventricular pacemakers that are used for cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure, stimulating both ventricles to improve the heart's efficiency.

Indications

Pacemakers are indicated for use in patients with arrhythmias such as:

• Bradycardia, or slow heart rate
• Heart block, a delay or complete block of the heart's electrical impulse from reaching the ventricles
• Atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response when other treatments have failed

Functioning

The pacemaker works by monitoring the heart's natural rhythms. If it detects a rhythm that is too slow, it will send an electrical impulse to the heart muscle to initiate a heartbeat. Modern pacemakers can adjust the rate at which they pace the heart based on the patient's activity level.

Complications

While pacemakers are generally safe, they are not without risks. Complications can include:

• Infection at the implant site
• Lead displacement
• Pacemaker malfunction
• Interference from other electronic devices

Living with a Pacemaker

Patients with pacemakers should have regular follow-up appointments to ensure the device is functioning correctly. They should also be aware of any precautions related to electronic devices and magnetic fields.

Future Directions

Research into pacemaker technology is ongoing, with developments focusing on leadless pacemakers and energy harvesting mechanisms that could eliminate the need for battery replacements.

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