I am very worried about my dad, Is a pacemaker operation risky?

Question

He turned 68 years old yesterday!

Answer 1

Rae, a pacemaker insertion is no longer considered a risky operation as it was back when they were first develpoed. He will recieve a local anaesthesia and a general muscle relxatant. He may just fall asleep during the proceedure but many do not. He will be able to go home that very day. There IS a slight risk of complications but, even if one should occur, it can and will be handled in relative ease and comfort to your dad.

Raji the green Witch

Answer 2

of course any operation is risky... when having a pacemaker put in or replaced the patient is usually in the hands of cardiologists who specialize in this particular procedure.

my mom had one implanted a few years ago (2002), she came home the same day. the operation went smoothly, however the only con was that they didn't implant it deep enough under the muscle. as a result, she had to go back in about a month later and they corrected it. she is fine now and has a nurse call every so often to check the batteries and function via telephone. if she didn't received the device, who knows how her life would be right now. her heart wasn't strong enough to pump blood properly due to a heart murmur.

you're dad obviously needs this device to help his heart function. have faith and think positive... this procedure is for the best and for his future. i'm sure he is in good hands.

be prepared for minor roadblocks after the procedure though (metal detectors, perimeters near microwaves, airport security, magnetic devices, cell phones, etc.), i'm sure his dr. will advise him about it afterwards. he must carry a card with him at all times that proves he has a pacemaker implanted.

all the best!

Answer 3

A pacemaker placement carries very little risk. A small number of people bleed in the pacer pocket (usually people that require anticoagulation), a few people develop infections, and a few develop a pneumothorax (a small hole in the lung tissue). All of these complications are rare and easily manageable. Many pacemaker placements are now done as outpatient procedures and do not require overnight stays in the hospital.

Answer 4

Actually, 68 is a very good age to have a pacer inserted. I've assisted with putting them people in their late 90's and they've done very well. Pacer insertion is a procedure that dosen't even require your father to be asleep by anesthesia. He will be getting medications in his IV to help him relax, and he may also fall asleep, but, it's not general anesthesia. There are risks associated with any surgical and non-surgical procedure, but, the percentage is way below 1%. You may feel better about this if you also talk to the cardiologist inserting the pacer prior to the procedure. Ask the doctor what the percentage of problems are for his cases. I've assisted with 8 different cardiologists on pacer insertion, and, the only problem I've seen is that of post procedure infection, and, it was treated with IV antibiotics. If you don't care for the doc doing the procedure, ask to talk to another one. Best wishes.

Answer 5

I was worried about my dad too,they wanted to go with the pacemaker,he gladly agreed,but then the staph infection and pneumonia took him from us,he was only 69.I think your dad will be fine,you are very lucky to still have him.

Answer 6

any kind of operation is risky, girl!

Answer 7

most go very smoothly. its an out patient procedure. he may be sore , but other than that i think he will be fine..how old is he?

Answer 8

he needs it to save his life

Answer 9

they all are but think possitive...