Please enlighten me.

I had my second pacer generator implanted 3 weeks ago. I have been reading several postings mentioning that the generator is stitched into place, to prevent it from moving.
My previous pacer moved sideways, up and down, you name it! This one seems anchored quite well.
My question is: can someone please explain how the pacer is actually stitched into place? After all, it's a smooth object, hermetically sealed, with no visible holes to promote anchoring it with stitches.
Am I asking a stupid question? If so, forgive me, but I'd really like to know.
Thanks,

Solarman

3 Comments

They have a tiny suture hole

by Angelie - 2009-04-21 01:04:30

Some doctors sew them into place using a tiny hole designed on the device for this purpose.
Nope not a stupid question. Some doctors sew them into place, and some don't. It seems more of a doctor's preference. I know that mine is not sewn in. It was just placed into the pocket and the pocket was sewn up.
I have wondered what they sew the pacer to....the muscle underneath, maybe?

Angelie

Yes, there's a hole at the top

by SaraTB - 2009-04-21 07:04:35

I just had my second PM implanted too, and this one was stitched in place. They showed me that there is a small hole at the top, where the leads join the unit, especially for stitches. They told me it's stitched to the muscle below. In my case, it needed to be very still, because I'm using the minute ventilation as well as the usual sensor, and it needs to be stable to monitor your lung movements for that to work.

I wondered too, until they showed me!

Thank you guys.

by Solarman - 2009-04-22 07:04:40

You are all a bunch of remarkable people, I knew someone would know.
Angelie, Sara, thank you for taking the time to give a plausible answer, I appreciate it.

Solarman.

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic man.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.