Pacemaker Battery Replacement

[Assistant2443]

When a battery is replaced, is the person put under anesthesia completely.  My 92 year old mother needs this done, and we are concerned about having her go entirely under.  Can just that area be numbed?

[Jerry_NJ]

I think it depends on the patient how "relaxed" they become.  I have had procedures done once, same doctor, and was completely out, and done a few years later I was fully awake.  I recall when I had a second heart catheter exam done I complained to the nurse that I wasn't completely out, she said something funny like:  Oh,that's so you can do it your self the next time".

The only point I'm trying to make it that if a relaxant is used, is sometimes puts the patient out, maybe the best of both worlds, all the safety of a relaxant and the joy of waking up and everything is over.

[Assistant2443]

Thanks.  The reason I questioned it was because in one post I read where the gentleman said he was awake the entire time and he actually heard what was going on.    But perhaps as you wrote, they just made him drowsy and relaxed.

[tom_h]

It would be nice if your mom had a little plastic door that could be popped open and the old batteries taken out and a new set of double A's dropped in.  Such is not the case though, obviously.  In fact "battery replacement" is a misnomer.  In actuality, the entire pacemaker is replaced.  The leads from the heart are literally unplugged from the unit, the old unit is removed, and replaced by a completely new one loaded with a fresh battery.

As I understand it, the procedure is fairly quick, 30-45 minutes, and is done under a local anesthesia along with something to make the patient drowsy and relaxed.   Before the patient is closed, the leads are checked to make sure they're securely placed.  On occasion, a lead will need replacing, and this may require a short, overnight stay just to monitor the patient's vital signs. I understand your concern, and I'd check with her cardiologist ahead of time.