Types Of Pacemakers

What are the Types of Pacemakers?

Pacemakers are divided into three types: normal pacemakers, shock pacemakers and pacemakers to increase the contractile power of the heart. They can be single, two or three-chambered. The required type is selected according to the characteristics of the patient.

Single Chamber Pacemakers

Single-chamber pacemakers sense a single chamber of the heart and stimulate it when necessary. In general, systems that stimulate the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart, are used. However, there are also pacemakers that sense and stimulate the atria, the upper chambers.

Two-chamber pacemakers

Two-chamber pacemakers are designed to control both the atria and ventricles. These pacemakers are used when the electrical conduction between the atria and ventricles is impaired. This is to ensure coordination between the heart chambers.

Three-chamber pacemakers (CRT)

Three-chamber pacemakers, or CRTs, are used in heart failure and their main purpose is to keep the ventricles working synchronously. We program the other pacemakers to be activated only when needed. But 3-wire pacemakers need to be on all the time. In this way, each heartbeat is improved and a recovery of heart function can be achieved. One wire is placed in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle. The 3rd wire is placed in the branches of the veins just behind the left ventricle to stimulate the left ventricle.

This pacemaker regulates both the relationship between the atria and ventricles and the relationship between the two ventricles. Not all patients with heart failure are suitable for this pacemaker. There must also be various disorders in the electrical system of the heart. The most important is the presence of left bundle branch block. These patients benefit the most.

Heart Shock Pacemakers (ICD, CRT-D)

One-, two- and three-wire pacemakers are also available with shock features. These shock pacemakers not only have the features of normal pacemakers, but also have the ability to deliver a shock when needed (in case of severe arrhythmia). There are Single-chamber ICD, Two-chamber ICD and 3-chamber CRT-D types.

Leadless Pacemakers

Wireless pacemakers are very different from conventional pacemakers. A pacemaker weighing 3-4 grams is placed inside the heart. There are no wires. There are no parts outside the body. This battery is attached to the heart by means of small hooks on the end. It detects the beating of the heart and activates when it needs to be activated. There are no shock features.
The choice of pacemaker depends on the specific condition of the patient and the type of heart rhythm disorder.