PaceMaker

to the heart and information about the hearts natural activity back to the pacemaker. Leads are flexible in order to withstand the twisting and bending caused by body movement. One end of the lead is connected to the pacemaker at the connector block. The other end of the lead is inserted through a vein and placed in the right ventricle or the right atrium of the heart. One or two leads are used depending on the type of pacemaker prescribed. Pacing leads consist of a connector pin, a lead body, a fixation mechanism, and an electrode. The connector pin is the part of the lead that is inserted in to the connector block on the pacemaker. The lead body is an insulated metal wire that carries electrical energy from the pacemaker to the heart. The fixation mechanism is near the tip of the lead and it holds the lead in place in the heart. The electrode is located near the tip of the lead. It delivers electrical energy from the pacemaker to the heart tissue and relays information about the hearts electrical activity back to the pacemaker. One of the most desirable features of a pacemaker is its ability to be programmed to behave in different manners according to the needs of the patient. This feature allows for the function of the device to be individualized. Furthermore, patients can check on their pacemakers via the telephone. When the telephone is placed over the pacemaker, the pacemaker sends out sounds that can be carried over telephone wires. When unscrambled, an electrocardiographic tracing appears. To make sure the pacemaker is capable of pacing even when the patients own rate is high, a magnet is present which makes the pacer send electrical impulses regardless of the patients underlying rate. The magnet rate contains information about the status of the pulse generators battery. Each manufacturer programs this function in a different but characteristic way. A certain magnet rate indicates the need for elective or immed...