Pacemaker

Pacemaker

  • Overview
  • Device Details
  • Appointments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is a pacemaker?

    Pacemakers are small, battery-operated devices most commonly used to treat patients with a heart rate that is too slow (a condition known as bradycardia) and heart block, which occurs if an electrical signal is slowed or disrupted as it moves through the heart. This can happen as part of the aging process, from damage to the heart due to heart attack, or any condition that disrupts the heart's electrical activity. Pacemakers can also be used to treat individuals who have congestive heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

    Patients who undergo an AV (atrioventricular) node ablation to treat atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, are also implanted with a pacemaker to help maintain a normal heart rate. 

    How does a pacemaker work?

    A pacemaker replaces the heart’s natural pacing functions and works by receiving and sending electrical signals to and from the heart to regulate the heart rate. It is typically permanently implanted in the upper chest while the patient is under conscious sedation with local anesthesia. Wires (or leads) connected to the pacemaker are threaded through the veins and implanted into the heart muscle. These wires send tiny electric charges (which cannot be felt) from the pacemaker to the heart as necessary (for example, if the heart is beating too slowly).

    A pacemaker may have one, two or three leads, depending on the specific heart condition. All pacemakers have sensors that detect motion and some can even detect breathing. These sensors signal the pacemaker to increase the heart rate during exertion (e.g., exercise) to meet the body’s need for more blood and oxygen.

    Patients with ICDs & Pacemakers

    We want to make you aware of new information released about several types of devices that, when placed in close contact to your body, may interfere with your implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker.

    Read the notice

    Appointment Information

    Call us at 888-287-1082 to schedule an appointment with a Cardiovascular Center physician, get a prescription refill, or request to speak with your nurse. 

    Locations
    • Electrophysiology Services | Cardiovascular Center 1425 E Ann St
      Floor 3 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5856       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Kelly Arps, MD

    Kelly Arps, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Apurba Kent Chakrabarti, MD

    Apurba Kent Chakrabarti, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine

    Thomas Christopher Crawford, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Amrish Deshmukh, MD

    Amrish Deshmukh, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine

    Hamid Ghanbari, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Michael Ghannam, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    labcoat

    Emma Hegwood, DO

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine

    Krit Jongnarangsin, MD

    Krit Jongnarangsin, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Rakesh Latchamsetty, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Jackson Jeikai Liang, DO

    Jackson Jeikai Liang, DO

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Cardiac Electrophysiology, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease

    Show All Doctors

    News & Stories
    grandma with baby in arms smiling
    Health Lab

    Treating a rare coronary artery aneurysm without open heart surgery

    Cardiologists at University of Michigan Health prevented the rupture of an aneurysm in a woman’s heart and used a minimally invasive solution to avoid open heart surgery. 
         girl with short blonde hair holding a sign that says she matched to michigan residency
    Health Lab

    Fontan patient inspires as pediatric cardiology fellow

    A pediatric cardiology fellow at Michigan shares her experience being a doctor taking care of children who have the same, or similar, heart issues like she did as a child.
         kid smiling on left and superman statue little boy infront of it
    Health Lab

    Heart transplant gives 10-year-old cancer survivor new life

    After experiencing cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy treatment as an infant, William Goff needed a heart transplant by the age of seven. It’s been three years since he received his heart, and he is more active than ever.
         man holding chest with yellow shirt sitting on white couch concerned
    Health Lab

    How to spot the signs of a heart arrhythmia

    A Michigan Medicine electrophysiologist discusses heart arrhythmia, sharing what signs to look for and when to see your doctor.
         Health Lab Podcast in brackets with a background with a dark blue translucent layers over cells
    Health Lab Podcast

    Delays in Heart Surgery for Women due to One-Size-Fits-All Criteria

    Two studies showed similar disparities for different heart procedures.
         woman prepped for surgery with mask going over mouth in surgical setting blue scrubs on all pictured and white gloves
    Health Lab

    Women may face heart surgery delays due to criteria based on male anatomy

    Women may receive heart procedures later due to surgical criteria based off male anatomy, two studies suggest.