We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Pacemakers?

By Maggie J. Hall
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 29,552
Share

Different types of pacemakers can be used externally or internally and may have one or more chamber leads. Electronic pacemakers may vary according to the type of action required. The type of pacemaker chosen generally depends on the condition requiring treatment. Physicians generally program all of these devices during placement and may adjust a pacemaker periodically after insertion.

Transcutaneous external cardiac pacing (TEP) employs an external pacemaker, which cardiologists might use temporarily to adjust bradycardia, sinus bradycardia, or atrioventricular node blocks. They might also be used to regulate tachycardia. Though similar to defibrillators, external pacemakers are not generally used for asystole, or the absence of a heart rhythm. This kind of pacemaker usually includes large pads that contain the electrodes.

One pad is placed on the chest over the apex of the heart, and the other is placed on the chest, over the inner scapula region. The pacemaker can deliver up to 200 milliamperes of current for periods of up to 40 milliseconds. Physicians might use these types of pacemakers on conscious or unconscious patients, though a conscious patient would probably be given an analgesic and possibly a sedative.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) requires an internal pacemaker, which generally consists of a pulse generator about the size of a matchbox that contains a battery and a microcomputer. The programmable circuitry within the device senses and times the heart rhythm. It can also emit electrical impulses to initiate a muscle contraction. Pulse generators can have one, two, or three leads, with one end attached to the unit and the other inserted into the cardiac muscle. Physicians usually install single chamber pacemakers, or pacemakers with only one lead, in patients suffering from atrial or ventricular rhythm anomalies.

Cardiac surgeons may implant dual chamber pacemakers, or devices having two leads, into the right atrium and the right ventricle. Biventricular pacemakers generally have three leads, which are installed into the right atrium, the right ventricle, and the left ventricle. These devices might be implanted in patients suffering from advanced heart blocks or congestive heart failure.

Standard types of pacemakers deliver an electrical impulse when the device senses that the heart rhythm has dropped below a certain rate. Some types of pacemakers generate impulses on demand, adjusting the heart rhythm during times of decreased or increased physical activity. Defibrillator pacemakers also emit electrical impulses when the internal sensor detects a potentially fatal heart rhythm.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-pacemakers.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.