Understanding Pacemakers and Their Impact on Daily Activities

2. Post-Implantation and Lifespan of Pacemakers

Pacemaker surgery for implantation is minimally invasive with relatively short recovery time. Patients often feel pain at the incision site for a few days and should carry out only light activities for a couple of weeks. Immediately following the procedure, they must watch for signs of infection: swelling, increased pain, redness, or bleeding. At home, individuals with pacemakers can do periodic pacemaker checks that ensure good battery life. Most patients receive a special wireless device that schedules follow-up appointments once or twice a year. When the battery starts to run out, doctors can replace pacemaker generators using local anesthesia.