3-Wire Pacemakers Turkey

Abnormality and irregularities of the heartbeats can be eliminated with pacemakers. Thus, a healthy blood circulation can be ensured as expected. There are many types of pacemakers. 3-wire pacemakers are one of these types. Three-cable pacemakers have a highly advanced and technological structure. These batteries both support the beating of the heart and interfere with fatal rhythm disorders with their electroshock properties. Thus, the risk of death due to some heart diseases can be greatly reduced. Pacemakers with electroshock feature are known as “ICD” in medical language. If a pacemaker has both the features to support the heartbeats and the ability to intervene with electroshock when necessary, it is called in the medical language (ICD). These pacemakers are more commonly known as three-wire pacemakers or three-chamber pacemakers.

You can call us to get detailed information about pacemaker treatment in Turkey, You can make an appointment with Associate Professor Dr. Ömer Uz.

What is a 3-wire pacemaker called? 

3-wire pacemakers support the heartbeats and contribute to the strengthening of the heart, helping to improve heart failure or reduce the degree of heart failure. They are also known as “three-chamber pacemaker” among the people. In medical language, they are referred to as “CRT-ICD” or “Biventricular ICD”. Three-chamber pacemakers have an average lifespan of 6 to 7 years. At the end of this period, only the battery is replaced with a new one, the cables remain in place. This process we mentioned is completed between 15 and 30 minutes.

As can be understood from the names of three-wire pacemakers, they have 3 separate electrodes (cables). With the help of these cables, the beats of the heart are instantly followed by the pacemaker. If a problem is detected in the heartbeat, the pacemaker intervenes. The electrical impulses produced in the generator part of the battery support the heartbeat. In addition to the features we have mentioned, 3-wire pacemakers can also apply electroshock to the heart if fatal arrhythmias are detected. Having the highest technology among pacemakers, 3-wire batteries also provide detailed information about the accumulation of fluid in the lungs due to heart failure and provide great convenience in treatment planning.

What are the indications for biventricular pacemaker? 

Three-wire pacemakers may be implanted for reasons such as:

• To support the functions of the heart in patients with heart failure.
• In people whose heart walls contract independently of each other, without complying with the expected order; to maintain a healthy and regular heart rhythm.
• For heart failure patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB), to meet the heart’s needs if drug therapy is not working.
• To improve the quality of life of patients with heart failure in general, to reduce some fatal risks and to support the function of the heart.

3-wire pacemakers are generally used for these purposes. Patients undergo detailed examinations before the three-wire pacemaker. Thanks to special procedures such as electrocardiography, the suitability of patients for this treatment is evaluated in detail.

What is the Difference Between 3-Wire Pacemakers and Others?

The most important feature that distinguishes three-cable pacemakers from other permanent pacemakers is that they have both the ability to support heartbeats and the ability to apply electroshock when necessary. In fact, this is the main reason for preference. 3-wire pacemakers ensure that the heartbeats occur at the expected rate and order. In addition, if they detect a fatal arrhythmia, they apply electroshock directly. In a sense, they have a life-saving function for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest (cardiac arrest) or with severe heart failure.

How to Implant 3-Wire Pacemakers?

3-wire pacemakers are performed under local anesthesia and sedation. It is not performed under general anesthesia. Thus, patients are prevented from feeling pain or discomfort during the procedures. Three-cable pacemakers fit almost like other permanent pacemakers. However, it is a more elaborate application due to issues such as the placement of the electrodes. However, it should not be considered as a serious operation.

3-wire pacemaker is installed in laboratory environments where special conditions can be met. During the procedure, an incision is made 2 centimeters below the patient’s left collarbone. This incision is about 4 centimeters in size. With the help of the vein located here, the electrodes (cables) of the pacemaker are transmitted to the heart. The generator (generating electrical stimulation) part of the pacemaker is placed in almost the same area, under the muscle. This part can also be placed around the right shoulder in left-handed patients. After the generator part of the pacemaker is placed, the incision is closed with special suture techniques and the process ends.

The duration of the operation may vary from person to person according to many factors. However, this time is about 45 minutes on average.

What are the restrictions after 3-wire pacemaker implantation?

Considerations after insertion of a three-wire pacemaker include:

• If the operations are performed with the (hidden) suture method, there is no need to remove stitches. If sutures are preferred, these sutures are removed approximately 10 days after the procedure.
• If sutures are used on the skin, water should not come into contact with the suture area for 10 days.
• During the period recommended by the doctor, it is necessary to pay attention to arm movements that may affect the cables of the pacemaker.
• It is necessary to stay away from heavy and tiring activities for the period recommended by the doctor, especially heavy loads should not be lifted with the arm on the side of the abdomen.
• It is okay for patients to use the phone. However, devices such as detectors should not be brought closer than 15 centimeters to the pacemaker.
• Doctor check-ups, which are planned to take place every 6 months, should never be interrupted.

Your doctor will give detailed warnings about the issues that need attention.