Abstract

BACKGROUND:
A pacemakers is a small device that is placed in the chest to help control abnormal heart rhythms
and prevent bradycardia.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the practice of permanent pacemaker implantation including indications and early
complications.
PAT IENTS AND METHODS:
This is a retrospective study in 90 patients over 2.5 years (from June 2013 to January 2016).
The case sheets of patients were studied carefully including history, clinical examination, ECG
findings, echocardiographic Study and cardiac catheterization. In addition, the reports of the first
follow up visit around two weeks after implantation were studied.
RESULTS:
The females (61.2%) more than males, syncope (44.4%) and dizziness (33.3%) were the most
common presentations, most of patients (87 patients) represented in class I indication for pacemaker
implantation, CHB (72.2%) was the most common ECG finding, the most common causes of heart
block were unspecified (55%) and post MI (27.7%), the most common pacing mode was VVI mode
(43.3%). The complications of pacemaker implantation were 11.1% and the infections represent
3.1%, In older age group and in diabetic patients the infection incidence increased. The indication of
temporary pacemaker prior to permanent pacemaker implantation was (22.2%), and post-acute MI
and hemodynamically unstable patients were the most common causes (8 patients) and (7 patients)
respectively .
CONCLUSION:
implantation of permanent pacemaker is a save and could be life saving in significant bradycardia,
and complete heart block was the most common cause of pacemaker implantation