Long-term Mortality in Patients with Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Cardiac rhythm management technology, including artificial pacemakers, represents a significant advancement in treating cardiac dysrhythmias.
• An aging global population and expanding indications for device implantation suggest a rising trend in cardiac device procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the mortality and morbidity associated with permanent pacemaker implantation in patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in North India.

Main Methods:

• A two-year prospective observational study (2012-2014) combined with a ten-year retrospective analysis (2002-2012) at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana.
• Inclusion criteria encompassed all patients receiving permanent pacemakers for bradyarrhythmias.
• Data collected included demographic profiles, indications for pacing, procedural complications, and mortality rates.

Main Results:

• The study included 323 patients, with over 75% aged 56-85 years; males predominated.
• The most frequent indication was acquired atrioventricular (A-V) block, with syncope as the commonest symptom and complete heart block on ECG.
• Pacemaker implantation resulted in complications in 3.72% of patients and a 7.1% mortality rate over the study period.

Conclusions:

• Permanent pacemaker implantation is a generally safe procedure with a low incidence of complications and mortality.
• Regular patient follow-up is associated with improved outcomes and potentially lower risks following pacemaker implantation.