Left Bundle Branch Area Pacemaker
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
What is the left bundle branch area (LBBA)?
The LBBA in your heart contains the left bundle branch (LBB) and nearby heart muscle. The LBB is an electrical pathway in your heart. It sends electrical signals to your heart muscle and controls the way your heart beats.
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What is a left bundle branch area (LBBA) pacemaker?
An LBBA pacemaker is a small device placed in your chest to help your left ventricle pump better. It can also help control your heartbeat and improve or maintain heart muscle function. The pacemaker contains flexible wires (leads) with sensors, a battery, pulse generator, and a small computer. The sensors measure your heartbeat and send the information to the computer. The computer causes the generator to send electrical impulses to your heart. This helps your heart pump blood to the rest of your body. Conditions such as heart failure or heart block can cause the heart to not beat or pump blood correctly.
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How do I prepare for a pacemaker insertion?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure.
- Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines.
- Your provider will tell you if you need any tests before your procedure, and when to have them.
What will happen during a pacemaker insertion?
- You may be given IV sedation to make you feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. You may also be given local anesthesia to numb the procedure area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing, but you should not feel pain.
- Your healthcare provider will insert a catheter (thin tube) into a vein in your chest. Your provider will guide the leads through the catheter and into your heart. The leads will be secured to the muscle wall between your ventricles. The position of the leads will depend on the area that needs to be controlled (paced). Your provider will check for correct device placement and function. Then the catheter will be removed.
- Your incisions will be closed with stitches, medical glue, or medical tape. They will be covered with a bandage to prevent an infection.
What should I expect after a pacemaker insertion?
- Healthcare providers will monitor your heartbeat.
- You may need a chest x-ray and an EKG. These tests will make sure your pacemaker is in the correct position and working as it should.
- You may have bruising or pain near your incision. These should get better in a few days.
- You may need to spend a night in the hospital.
What are the risks of an LBBA pacemaker insertion?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. The pacemaker could move out of place and need to be placed again. A displaced pacemaker can cause an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, blood clots, or other problems. The leads may cause a hole in your heart or blood vessel. Your pacemaker may stop working correctly. These problems may become life-threatening.
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Further information
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