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During Surgery
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You will wear a hospital gown.
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An IV (intravenous) is put in a vein in your arm. Medicines to make you
sleepy are given through the IV.
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Your neck or chest is cleaned. Men may have their chests shaved.
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The skin is numbed.
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The wire leads are put into a vein and guided into your heart using an x-
ray.
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The wire leads are placed in your heart muscle.
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The other end of each wire is connected to the pacemaker.
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The pacemaker is placed in a small space under your skin.
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The incisions are closed with stitches.
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Bandages or strips of tape cover both sites.
After Surgery
In the Hospital
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An ice pack may be put on the sites.
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Your blood pressure, heart rate and incisions will be checked often.
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The head of your bed is raised. Do not lift your arm over your head on
the same side where your pacemaker is placed.
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If you have discomfort, ask your nurse for pain medicine.
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You will have a chest x-ray to check your lungs and the pacemaker.
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Antibiotics are given in your IV to prevent infection.
A nurse will explain how your pacemaker works, answer any questions and
explain pacemaker checks.
You will not be able to feel your pacemaker
working. You will be able to see and feel the outline of the pacemaker
through your skin. Do not rub the pacemaker site.
At Home
• Schedule an appointment with your doctor for follow-up care.
• Talk to your doctor about activity limits. Your doctor may tell you to:
─ Limit the movement of your arm on the side of the pacemaker.
─ Not lift this arm above your head.
─ Not push, pull or lift anything heavier than 10 pounds or 4 kilograms.
─ Not return to work or drive.
• You may shower. Let the water run over your incision, but do not scrub
the site. Pat dry.