FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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MY DOCTOR SAID I NEEDED A BIVENTRICULAR PACEMAKER OR DEFIBRILLATOR. WHAT IS THAT?
The main pumping chamber of the heart is the left ventricle. However, the effectiveness of that pump is compromised if the sides of the left ventricle don’t squeeze simultaneously. This lack of synchronization affects the heart’s output and can lead to progressive weakening and enlargement of the heart. When that lack of synchronization is caused by a delay in the electrical signal directing the heartbeat, it can be corrected by a special pacemaker known as a biventricular pacemaker. This is also referred to as cardiac resynchronization therapy. This pacing technique can be applied to both pacemakers and implantable defibrillators.
Let’s review biventricular devices in more detail.
A biventricular device, whether it’s a pacemaker or defibrillator, is a small, battery-powered unit that’s implanted under the skin, usually just below the collarbone. What makes it “biventricular” is its ability to stimulate both lower chambers of your heart (the ventricles) in a coordinated manner. This is different from a standard pacemaker, which typically only stimulates the right side of the heart.
The device works by sending small electrical pulses to your heart through thin wires called leads. These leads are carefully placed in the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle of your heart. By stimulating both ventricles, the device helps them contract simultaneously, improving the heart’s pumping efficiency. This synchronized pumping action is particularly beneficial for people with certain types of heart failure or conduction disorders.
Your doctor may recommend either a biventricular pacemaker or a biventricular defibrillator, depending on your specific heart condition. A pacemaker’s primary function is to regulate your heartbeat, ensuring it doesn’t go too slow. A defibrillator, on the other hand, can perform the pacing function but also has the added ability to deliver a strong electrical shock to correct dangerous rapid heart rhythms that could lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
For many patients, a biventricular device can significantly improve heart function. It may help reduce symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. By improving the heart’s pumping efficiency, it can enhance your ability to perform daily activities and potentially reduce the need for hospitalization due to heart failure episodes.
After implantation, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, but many patients find they can return to most of their normal activities. You’ll have regular follow-up appointments to ensure your device is functioning correctly and to make any necessary adjustments. Many modern devices also offer remote monitoring capabilities, allowing your healthcare team to track your heart’s performance between in-person visits.
We encourage you to contact CVG’s Atlanta cardiologists. We’re here to guide you through the decision-making process, explain the procedure in detail, and provide ongoing care to ensure your device continues to meet your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out; your heart health is our top priority, and we’re committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.
Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools, a wealth of experience, and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.
You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the best quality of life possible.
To learn more, please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.