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Pets With Pacemakers FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Q: Once an artificial pacemaker is implanted, how is the data on it read, and how are adjustments made? Is more surgery required? A: Pacemaker funtion and logs can be read and adjusted remotely with no need for additional surgery.  This image shows two different kinds of devices used for the remote monitoring of pacemaker patients. The one on the left, the gray device, is the more advanced device that actually communicates with the pacemaker through the peripherial that is placed over the pacemaker in the patient's chest. The device on the right is an older version of remote monitoring device. It requires the use of a telephone handset and the patient must put the bracelets on each wrist allowing the device to monitor heartbeat. The white round object is a high powered magnet that is used to trigger the pacemaker into beginning to pace allowing the person who is conducting the remote monitoring to determine if the pacemaker is still functioning correctly. Q: If my pet has been active and their body decides the heart should be beating at 135 beats per minute, but the pacemaker is set to 100 beats per minute, what happens? A: The artificial pacemaker is an incredible piece of technology. Under these circumstances the device will sense that the heart is beating beyond its set threshold of 100 beats per minute and stop inducing current. Once the heart settles down after the excitment, and slows, the artificial pacemaker will start inducing current when the rate drops below its threshold. Q: There are various methods of implantation. The device can be implanted with it's leads threaded through the arteries, which is favorable if the dog is to be shown in competition as there is minimal surgery scaring, and the other method is for a traditional "Zipper" style approach where a major incision is created in the animals chest. Which is the right way to go? A: Each case is different, and your surgeon is definately the person you need to rely on for a accurate answer to this question. The following is what Dr Peter Laverty told me as I asked this question when my dog was to be implanted. (Disclaimer - this information is not offered as an answer to this question, but it is offered as a relaying of details of my particular case/instance to help you be aware of solutions that may be available in your particular case.). Dr Laverty told me that routing the leads through the arteries, although less invassive and more cosmetically appealing, is a far more intricate procedure. Anchoring the device charge leads to the heart wall via this method provides a less "positive" feeling as the procedure is performed via viewing images sent back from a small camera. As Charlie's heart rate was so low, Dr Laverty felt that in his case, a direct incision in the chest cavity was the best approach. The reason for this is that under anesthetic the heart rate drops considerably, so the quicker the device was anchored the better. By going in through the chest, control over the heart can be achieved far quicker. Once the device is in place and anchored the surgeon has control over the heart and the surgery success rate is usually higher. Q: I love the font you have used for the PWP banner. Where can I get it? A: Pacemakers in pets conjures up a kind of "Bionic" or "Cyborg" image in my mind (Yes, I know I am a geek/nerd:-), so it seemed proper to use a font that reflects this. The reason why you might love this font is that it's probably familiar......haven't picked it yet? It's the font that was created for the ultimate cyborg, The Terminator. Its the font from The Terminator movies, and you can download it from DaFont HERE. |
