High Quality Pacemaker Abroad

Pacemaker abroad through WorldMed Assist is a unique approach to first-class medical care. Our association with high quality hospitals abroad (which take part in initiatives introduced by US hospitals, including Johns Hopkins and Harvard Medical) makes surgical procedures at reasonable rates possible for everyone. Our case managers, all medically trained, organize every aspect of your procedure and have helped many patients receive medical intervention within a reasonable time.

Most importantly, we provide you with a personal touch from start until well after your return home.

Options for quality pacemakers abroad include:

We also provide information on costs:

Cost of Pacemaker Surgery

What is a pacemaker?

Pacemakers are implanted in patients with slow heart rhythms, heart failure or fainting episodes.

A pacemaker is a small device that regulates your heartbeat with electrical pulses. Pacemakers have two components called the “leads” and “pulse generator”. The pulse generator is placed just under your skin and has a battery and miniscule computer. The leads are inserted into your veins and heart muscle. They carry the electrical impulses to your heart.

There are three types of pacemakers:

Single Chamber, which has one lead
Dual Chamber, which has two leads
Biventricular, which has three leads

Which pacemaker your doctor recommends will be based on your medical condition.

In excess of 100,000 pacemakers are implanted annually in the United States. The average cost of a single chamber pacemaker implantation in the United States is $25,000, while the average for a dual chamber pacemaker implantation is $35,000.

A pacemaker implant abroad may save you thousands of dollars for the procedure.

The pacemaker implant

A pacemaker implant is performed in hospital and, dependent on the type of surgery, lasts between 2 and 5 hours.

There two types of implantation methods: endocardial approach and epicardial approach. The endocardial approach is the most common. Once again, you should consult with your doctor as to the best approach for your circumstances.

An intravenous line will be inserted into your hand or arm. You will be given a medication through the IV to make you relaxed and drowsy. You will be awake during the procedure, but should feel no pain. If you do have pain, inform the nurse immediately.

You will be connected to monitors, which record your blood pressure and heart rate during the implantation.

After your chest has been shaved and cleansed, the doctor will give you a local anesthetic where the incision will be located. Once the incision has been made, the doctor will insert the leads into a vein and guide them into your heart muscle with the assistance of a special x-ray machine. The leads are then tested to ensure they are working properly.

Next, the doctor will connect the leads to the pulse generator and place generator into the incision just underneath your skin. The incision is then closed.

Risks associated with pacemaker surgery are internal bleeding, infection, embolism, heart perforation and scarring. Discuss the risks of pacemaker implantation with your medical specialist to make certain you are fully aware of the possible hazards.

Pacemaker preparation

You will have cardiac testing prior to your surgery. These may include an electrocardiogram, electrophysiological study, x-rays and blood tests.

Your doctor will review your current medications. Be sure he or she has a full listing of every medication and the dosage you take. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications a number of days prior to the implant.

If you are diabetic, you should discuss whether adjustments to your insulin schedule during your hospital procedure are needed.

You will likely be requested to stop eating or drinking after midnight the evening prior to your procedures. Your doctor may also ask you to consume only clear fluids for one or more days in advance of the implant.

If you smoke, it is advisable you stop 6 to 8 weeks before the procedure to reduce the risk of breathing problems during the procedure and delayed wound healing.

Pacemaker recovery

You will stay in the hospital for monitoring of your heart rate and functioning of the pacemaker.

You may notice bruising, pain and tenderness around the incision site for the first few weeks after the implant. This is usually mild.

Once you have been released from the hospital, your activities may be restricted for the first six weeks. You may possibly need to pace yourself so you do not become overtired.

Strenuous activities and your return to work can be resumed as advised by your doctor.

Certain physical movements, such as lifting, pushing or pulling heavy objects, should be avoided. In addition, you should not lift your arms above shoulder height if possible.

You may have to limit your use of electrical devices, such as cell phones, iPods, and appliances. Your doctor can advise you about necessary precautions.

You will see your specialist for follow-ups on a regular basis for adjustments and a battery check. A regular schedule of checkups will help your pacemaker last longer.