What is a Pacemaker?
If you have a condition called bradycardia, otherwise known as a slow heartbeat, you and your doctor may decide an implantable heart device called a pacemaker is the right option for you. A pacemaker helps restore the heart's rhythm, by sending tiny electrical signals to the heart to increase the heart rate, which relieves the symptoms of bradycardia.
When people refer to a pacemaker, they are actually referring to one part of a complete pacing system, which includes the pacemaker along with leads.
- A pacemaker is the small device that is implanted under the skin, most often below the collarbone on the left or right side of your chest. The pacemaker continuously monitors your heart, and if it detects a slow heart rate, it sends out small undetectable electrical signals to correct it.
- Leads are thin, soft, insulated wires about the size of spaghetti noodles. The leads carry the electrical impulse from the pacemaker to your heart and relay information about the heart’s natural activity back to your pacemaker.
HOW DOES A PACEMAKER WORK?
A pacemaker is designed to mimic the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node. The pacemaker has two main purposes — pacing and sensing.
Pacing
A pacemaker will send an electrical impulse to the heart when the heart’s own rhythm is too slow or is interrupted. This electrical impulse starts a heartbeat.
Sensing
A pacemaker will also “sense” (monitor) the heart’s natural electrical activity. When the pacemaker senses a natural heartbeat, it will not deliver a pacing pulse.
An app connected PACEMAKER
Azure™ — Medtronic’s most advanced pacemaker — is the first mobile app compatible pacemaker, meaning that you can securely access information about your pacemaker via the MyCareLink Heart™ mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. If Azure detects changes in your heart, it wirelessly and securely transfers your heart device information to your clinic.
Freedom
- Continue with your daily life — wherever you go — knowing your pacemaker can connect to your clinic through your smartphone or tablet and the MyCareLink Heart app.
Peace of mind
- Feel confident that your clinic receives your pacemaker data because you can see the status of your transmissions in the app.
- Access information about your pacemaker — including battery life, implant date, pacemaker name, model number, serial number, and clinic information — so you are comfortable answering questions when asked.
- Motivate yourself to engage in healthy behaviors:
- Track your physical activity level with data the app gets from your pacemaker.
- Record your weight, blood pressure, and heart rate — and track these measurements over time to help you better understand your health status.
- Keep a record of your symptoms to share with your doctor at an in-office visit.
- Easily access answers to frequently asked questions about living with a pacemaker.
Azure features the latest innovation in pacing technology. With over 13 years of battery life, Azure will maintain its safety and dependability for many years. Azure also offers exclusive features proven to accurately detect and significantly reduce your risk* of developing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Learn more about MyCareLink™ Heart mobile app.
*Reactive ATP feature is available in Azure XT model
A LEADLESS PACEMAKER OPTION
The Micra™ transcatheter pacing system is 93% smaller than traditional pacemakers. It is the size of a large vitamin capsule and has a battery that lasts as long as a traditional pacemaker. Unlike a standard pacemaker, it is implanted into the heart through a vein in your leg and does not require a lead. The Micra device's miniaturized size and minimally invasive approach leaves no visible sign of a medical device under the skin. This can mean fewer post-implant activity restrictions and no obstructions to shoulder movement.
Micra TPS is intended for patients who need a single chamber (also known as a ventricular pacemaker, or VVIR pacemaker). Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of Micra TPS.
This information is designed to help you learn more about pacemakers options. It is for your informational use only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner. Speak to your doctor for more information and any questions specific to your health and treatment