Heart Pacing Devices

To help manage heart rhythms, doctors can insert a heart pacing device. Some devices help diagnose heart rhythm problems, and others treat them. The heart rhythm specialists at The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City are some of the best in the country. With their expertise, you can be sure that you are receiving world-class care and the most advanced, trusted heart pacing devices.

What are heart pacing devices?

Heart pacing devices are used to treat heart rhythm disorders. They work by regulating your heartbeat using electrical impulses.

Two types of heart pacing systems that have become more sophisticated in recent years are permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD):

ICDs
Pacemakers

An ICD monitors heart rhythms and can send out a low-energy shock that returns an abnormal heart rate back to normal.

Pacemakers are implanted beneath the skin on your chest and prevent the heart from beating too slowly. They send low-level electrical pulses to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm.

We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.

Who can have heart pacing devices?

If you suffer from arrhythmia (an irregular heartbeat) and your doctor considers your condition to be serious, then he or she may recommend that you get a pacemaker or ICD.

How do heart pacing devices work?

Once heart pacing devices are surgically implanted, they monitor and regulate your heart rate and send data about your heart rate back to your provider. This helps manage the symptoms of an irregular heartbeat as well as limits the chances for a serious cardiac event.

EMBLEM™ MRI S-ICD System
Micra™ Transcatheter Pacing System

This ICD device helps protect the heart without touching it. Unlike other types of minimally invasive ICDs, the EMBLEM device delivers therapy without wires touching the heart and blood vessels.

The EMBLEM pulse generator is implanted on the left side of the chest next to the rib cage, rather than the left shoulder or collarbone like other systems, and the lead is implanted under the skin above the breastbone. This means you avoid the complications associated with leads.

EMBLEM is designed for people with a fast heart rate and is designed to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

Micra is the world's smallest leadless pacemaker to regulate heart rhythm in people with a slow heart rate (bradycardia). Unlike traditional pacemakers, which are placed through the chest and contain wires that run to the heart, Micra is placed through a vein during a minimally invasive procedure and is completely leadless. This offers many benefits, including:

Less invasive: Because Micra is a catheter procedure and can be placed through a vein in the leg, there are no chest scars. It's also placed in the heart so you avoid the look of a bump or bulge in your chest.
Self-contained: The Micra system is completely contained, which eliminates the need for future complex lead extraction procedures should a complication occur.
Small: Micra is about the size of a large vitamin capsule, or 93% smaller than traditional pacemakers.

Our health system was the first in the nation to offer an innovative technology that provides a safer way to have heart procedures. MediGuide™ incorporates GPS technology to provide real-time images that guide your physician during a catheter-based surgery. The technology shows the physician where the catheter is and the best route to get to the damaged part of the heart. MediGuide also reduces your exposure to radiation, keeping you safer.

Benefits and risks of heart pacing devices

As with any medical procedure, heart pacing devices offer benefits while carrying some degree of risk. Because heart pacing devices are intended to control and regulate an irregular heartbeat, they can save your life as well as improve your quality of life.

After getting a heart pacing device, you will need to monitor your exposure to magnetic and electromagnetic fields. You may need to make other lifestyle modifications that your doctor will go over in more detail before your procedure.

What happens when getting a heart pacing device?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for the night before your procedure. This may include:

Avoiding food and drink. It is important for you to have an empty stomach the day of your procedure. Do not eat or drink any fluids after midnight.
Preparing for the day of your treatment. When you check in at the hospital, wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Don't wear jewelry or bring valuables. Pack any personal care items you will want.
Stopping certain medications. You may be advised to stop taking your regular medications, depending on if they will interfere with your treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

When you arrive at the hospital, you will consult with your doctor before your procedure. You will receive either local anesthetic or general anesthetic depending on your treatment plan. Some devices can be installed through a vein near the groin using a thin catheter.

The device will be implanted into your heart and your incisions will be closed. You will receive an electrophysiology study before you are released to make sure the device is functioning properly.

Most heart pacing devices provide remote monitoring to send reports back to your care team about your heart function and health. These reports are then analyzed to ensure you avoid future heart rhythm issues. You will be asked to come back for follow-up visits as needed.

Once you have a heart pacing device, you will want to keep tabs on any alerts about your implant from the device manufacturer. You can visit the website of your device manufacturer and sign up for any device alert service it may offer.

Why choose us for heart pacing devices

All of our electrophysiologists (heart rhythm specialists) have additional training in electrophysiology and are board-certified fellows of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society.
Our electrophysiologists work closely with our heart surgeons and heart failure specialists to treat patients who may require heart surgery or whose heart rhythm disorder is related to heart failure.
Our health system is home to the region's first and largest center of excellence in atrial fibrillation.
Our heart rhythm specialists are internationally recognized as leaders in their field. They perform leading-edge research and provide the latest treatments to people with heart rhythm disorders.