At the tip of each lead is a tiny device called an electrode that delivers the necessary electrical impulses to the heart. Thus, the electric impulses are created by the generator, carried by the leads and delivered by the electrodes to the heart.
The Parts of a pacemaker
The pacemaker consists of three parts:
Generator
Leads
Electrodes
The generator is a
small box, usually about 2 inches wide and approximately 3 ounces in weight.
Some generators are even smaller, measuring 1 inch in diameter and weighing
about half an ounce. They are battery-powered, and most use lithium batteries
that last for 5 to 10 years. When the battery runs out, the entire generator is
replaced. The generator is responsible for generating the electric impulses that
correct the slow heartbeat.
Attached to the generator
are one or more leads, or wires, generally made of platinum with an insulating
coating of either silicone or polyurethane. The leads carry the electrical
impulses from the generator.
At the tip of each lead is a tiny device called an electrode that delivers the
necessary electrical impulses to the heart. Thus, the electric impulses are
created by the generator, carried by the leads and delivered by the electrodes
to the heart.