Artificial Cardiac Pacing refers to a medical procedure that involves the use of electronic devices to regulate and control the pacing of the human heart. It is a technique employed when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, fails to initiate electrical impulses or when the impulses produced are insufficient to maintain an adequate heart rate.
Artificial Cardiac Pacing utilizes an artificial pacemaker, a small electronic device typically implanted surgically beneath the skin near the collarbone. The pacemaker consists of a battery, pulse generator, and one or more leads with electrodes at their tips. These leads are threaded through veins into the heart chambers, where they deliver electrical signals to the heart muscle to initiate a heartbeat or correct irregularities in the heartbeat.
The pacemaker continuously monitors the heart's rhythm and adjusts the pacing rate, mimicking the natural function of the SA node. It delivers low-energy electrical pulses or shocks to stimulate the heart muscles and maintain an appropriate heart rate, thus ensuring adequate circulation of blood throughout the body.
Artificial Cardiac Pacing is primarily used to manage conditions such as bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) or heart block, where the impulse conduction between the atria and ventricles is interrupted. It can also be utilized to control certain arrhythmias or other heart rhythm disorders.
The procedure and follow-up care for Artificial Cardiac Pacing are typically supervised by cardiologists and electrophysiologists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm problems. Regular evaluation is necessary to ensure proper device functioning, lead stability, and appropriate pacing settings to optimize cardiac performance and enhance the patient's quality of life.
