Biventricular Pacemaker Cost In India

How Much Does Biventricular Pacemaker Cost In India?

The Estimated Cost of Biventricular Pacemaker in India Started from 5000 USD. The cost of a biventricular pacemaker includes the device itself, surgical procedure charges, hospitalization fees, medical professional fees, and any associated tests or monitoring.

The cost can vary based on factors such as the type and brand of the pacemaker, the hospital or clinic’s location and reputation, and any additional medical expenses !

What is Biventricular Pacemaker?

A biventricular pacemaker, also known as a Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, is a specialized type of pacemaker used to treat heart failure. It’s designed to improve the coordination and synchronization of the heart’s chambers (ventricles) in patients with certain types of heart rhythm disorders. This device helps the heart pump blood more efficiently and can alleviate symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.

A biventricular pacemaker typically has three leads:

Right Atrium Lead: This lead is placed in the right atrium of the heart and monitors the electrical activity in the atrium. It helps coordinate the timing of the atrial contraction.

Right Ventricle Lead: This lead is placed in the right ventricle and controls the electrical impulses that cause the right ventricle to contract.

Left Ventricle Lead: This lead is placed in a vein on the surface of the left ventricle’s wall. It stimulates the left ventricle to contract in sync with the right ventricle, helping both ventricles contract together more effectively.

How Does Biventricular pacemaker help?

In a normally functioning heart, electrical impulses facilitate synchronized contractions of both the left and right lower chambers (ventricles), ensuring efficient pumping. However, in cases of heart failure, irregular signals disrupt the coordination of ventricular contractions. Additionally, there might be a lack of harmony with the contractions of the heart’s upper right chamber (atria).

These complications lead to a decrease in effective contractions, subsequently reducing the volume of oxygen-rich blood pumped to the body. This condition can result in feelings of illness. A biventricular pacemaker, alternatively referred to as cardiac resynchronization therapy, enhances the efficiency of your heart’s function, aiding it in working more optimally.

How does biventricular pacemaker work?

A biventricular pacemaker is positioned within the chest and linked to three slender wires known as leads. These leads extend into distinct sections of the heart’s anatomy. Should an irregular heartbeat occur, the pacemaker discreetly dispatches an imperceptible signal via these leads to the heart’s muscular tissue.

These signals prompt the muscles of the heart’s lower chamber to engage in contractions, fostering synchronized pumping between the upper and lower chambers. In specific situations, the utilization of a biventricular pacemaker, coupled with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), might be employed to regulate hazardous irregular heart rhythms. An ICD is an electronic apparatus designed to monitor heart rate patterns. When both of these devices operate in tandem, they effectively forestall instances of sudden cardiac demise.

Why would someone need a biventricular pacemaker?

Individuals considered as potential candidates for a biventricular pacemaker are usually receiving heart failure medications; however, their symptoms persistently deteriorate. Additionally, they are likely facing an elevated risk of experiencing a cardiac arrest.

This therapeutic approach is also applicable to individuals who exhibit the following conditions:

Enlarged Left Ventricle: This situation arises when the heart is compelled to exert greater effort than normal, potentially leading to an enlarged left ventricle.

Reduced Ejection Fraction: Ejection fraction serves as a metric of how efficiently the heart’s left or right ventricle pumps blood throughout the body.
Life-Threatening Arrhythmia: Arrhythmias denote irregular or excessively rapid heartbeats, both of which can negatively impact ejection fraction and carry the risk of being life-threatening.
Severe or Moderately Severe Heart Failure Symptoms: When symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness (dyspnea) at the level of severe or moderately severe intensity disrupt everyday activities, individuals might find this treatment approach beneficial.

How does biventricular pacemaker Procedure?

The implantation of a biventricular pacemaker, also known as a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacemaker, is a medical procedure that involves several steps. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during a biventricular pacemaker implantation procedure:

Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient is prepared by cleaning and sterilizing the area where the pacemaker will be implanted. The patient may also receive medication to help relax or sedate them during the procedure.
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the pacemaker will be implanted. In some cases, light sedation or general anesthesia might be used to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Incision: A small incision is made near the collarbone, usually on the non-dominant side of the body. This incision provides access to the veins through which the pacemaker leads will be threaded.
Insertion of Leads: Thin, insulated wires called leads are inserted through the incision and guided through the veins to the heart. Typically, there are three leads involved in a biventricular pacemaker implantation: one positioned in the right atrium, one in the right ventricle, and one in the coronary sinus vein that wraps around the left ventricle.
Lead Placement: The leads are carefully positioned in specific locations within the heart using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance) and sometimes with the help of echocardiography. The proper placement of the leads is crucial for effective coordination of the heart’s contractions.
Connection to Generator: The other ends of the leads are connected to the pulse generator, which contains the battery and electronic circuitry that generate and control the pacing pulses.
Testing and Programming: Once the leads are securely in place and connected to the generator, the medical team tests the pacemaker’s function. They ensure that the pacing pulses are effectively stimulating the heart and improving synchronization between the ventricles. The device’s programming parameters are adjusted to optimize heart function based on the patient’s needs.
Closing Incision: Once the pacemaker leads are positioned correctly and the device’s programming is set, the incision is closed with stitches or surgical adhesive.
Recovery and Observation: The patient is monitored for a short period after the procedure to ensure that there are no immediate complications. Most patients can go home on the same day as the procedure or after a short observation period.
Follow-Up: After the implantation, the patient will need to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the pacemaker’s function, adjust programming as needed, and assess the patient’s overall condition.

It’s important to note that while biventricular pacemakers can greatly benefit individuals with certain types of heart failure, not all heart failure patients are candidates for this procedure. The decision to undergo a biventricular pacemaker implantation is made after careful evaluation by a medical team, including cardiologists and electrophysiologists, who consider the patient’s specific medical history and condition.

What happens after implanting the biventricular device?

Once the leads are in place, your healthcare provider performs lead function testing. This is also known as pacing. Pacing confirms that the leads are:

Where they should be.
Functioning properly.
Capable of synchronizing left and right ventricle activity.

After successful pacing, your provider connects the leads to the device. Before completing the procedure, they set the device to meet your needs. After the implant procedure, your provider will make further adjustments as necessary. This is done by placing a programmer over the site of the generator.

What are the benefits of a biventricular pacemaker?

A biventricular pacemaker improves symptoms of heart failure in about 50% of people who receive the device. Additional benefits include:

Better quality of life and ability to live an active, independent lifestyle.
Fewer heart-related hospitalizations.
Improved heart functioning.
Longer survival.

What are the risks associated with a biventricular pacemaker?

As with any heart failure treatment, biventricular pacemakers have a risk of complications. Potential complications include:

Bleeding.
Cardiac tamponade, where the space around your heart fills with blood.
Collapsed lung (pneumothorax).
Infection.
Lead dislodgement, when a lead disconnects from heart tissue or the pulse generator.
Mechanical failure, meaning the device doesn’t function as it should.
Nerve damage.