Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms.  

Type of Pacemaker : 

• Single-chamber pacemaker
• Dual-chamber pacemaker
• Biventricular pacemaker  

Pacemaker Components : 

• A computerized pulse generator to produce electrical signals to regulate your heartbeat
• One to three leads, wires that deliver electrical signals between the pulse generator and your heart
• Electrodes at the ends of the leads, to help deliver the signals
• A battery 

Uses :

• Speed up a slow heart rhythm.
• Help control an abnormal or fast heart rhythm.
• Make sure the ventricles contract normally if the atria are quivering instead of beating with a normal rhythm (a condition called atrial fibrillation).
• Coordinate electrical signaling between the upper and lower chambers of the heart.
• Coordinate electrical signaling between the ventricles. Pacemakers that do this are called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. CRT devices are used to treat heart failure.
• Prevent dangerous arrhythmias caused by a disorder called long QT syndrome.