Pacemaker Implantation: What are the risks?

The risk of bleeding and bruising accompanies any invasive procedure. The risk of infection of the pacemaker site is about 1-4% nationally. Because the vein we use to gain access to the heart lies very near the lung there is the possibility of puncturing and collapsing the lung, necessitating the placement of a chest tube. Leads have been known to perforate the muscle in the heart and cause potentially life-threatening bleeding around the heart.

These complications are uncommon and we can take measures to treat them when they arise. We take all these potential complications very seriously and take great precautions to avoid them.

Related Links:

Kent Gleed, M.D.
http://www.alegent.com/gleed

Alegent Health Heart & Vascular Specialists
http://www.alegent.com/heartandvascular

Cardiology Blog
http://www.alegent.com/heartblog

Alegent Health Podcast #27
Heart Palpitations
http://www.alegent.com/podcast27

Alegent Health Clinic
http://www.alegent.com/clinic

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• pacemaker
• alegent
• health
• omaha
• care
• heart
• attack
• slow
• rate
• cardiac
• catheterization