Yes, Animals Can Have pacemakers
Hi, New Ashley:
Yes we could put a pacemaker into Confetti for you. We would use the same type of pacemaker that we put into a person. The wire that goes from the pacemaker down into the heart will have to be much longer though. I answered your other questions in replies to Danielle and Ashleigh. Maybe you should talk to them.
I'm glad you got to hear my voice. It is amazing to me that Mrs. Weeg has the stuff that lets us hear each other. It sure seems to bring us closer together. It is nice to meet you, please keep asking the good questions.
Sincerely,
Mr. D
Hi, Ashleigh:
You asked about things that would damage or destroy pacemakers. Well, let's start with the obvious ones - If a person were to get shot in the pacemaker, I'm pretty sure it would stop working. Pacemakers are made out of a metal called Titanium. Titanium is very strong and lightweight (they make spy planes out of the same stuff). If a person were to receive a severe electrical shock, It may affect the pacemaker (not always, though). If the patient falls and bangs their pacemaker against a sharp corner it could cause the wire that goes into the heart to break. Microwaves can affect pacemakers. Tell Mrs. Weeg not to worry, though, because microwaves inside Microwave Ovens usually stay inside. Microwaves that affect pacemakers will also cause skin burns and may cause cancer, so you see, if it affects the pacemaker patient, it may also affect the non-pacemaker patient. It should be O.K. to go near electric poles, just do not climb up them if you have a pacemaker.
Your question about who was the first person to invent the pacemaker is, I am afraid, not able to be answered. Pacemakers in various forms have been around for many years (the earliest one's that worked were invented in the 1920's or 30's). There is some question about who first invented the device. I'll get out some of my research books and (when I get time) see if I can find a few names for you.
Yes, you can recycle a pacemaker. Most countries will not allow you to implant the recycled pacemaker into a human though. There are questions about how clean it is and how long it can be expected to last. Thanks for the A+ (even though I deserve lower) and the questions.
Your pal,
Mr. D
Dear Danielle:
There are no pacemakers made just for implanting into animals. When an animal, such as a dog, cat, or horse, gets a pacemaker, it will get the exact same type of pacemaker a person would expect. Usually the pacemaker is donated to the animal hospital so that there is no charge for the actual device. The pacemaker may be donated by a pacemaker company or by the family of a patient who had a pacemaker but has died. You can believe, however, that the doctor will charge to implant it. People who love their pets will, sometimes, spend huge amounts of money to keep those pets alive.
You asked about "temporary pacemakers." Temporary pacemakers are not implanted under the skin the way "permanent pacemakers" are. When a person gets a temporary pacemaker, the doctor passes the pacing wire into the heart using a needle to stick the subclavian vein (see if you can find that one). One end of the pacing wire is left sticking out of the skin and the temporary pacemaker is attached to it. Patients get temporary pacemaker for many reasons. One common reason is that some patients develop "temporary" heart block after a heart attack. Patients may also receive a temporary pacemaker after open heart surgery as a precautionary measure.
What do I do when I leave town? I usually visit pacemaker clinics and collect data from patients who are part of our research studies and clinical investigations. Research studies usually include things that help us to better understand how a pacemaker will react to certain situations. For instance, I am working on a project where we have the patients walk in and out of the "shoplifting" devices you see whenever you go into a department store and we measure what the pacemaker does. Another thing I do is to collect data so that we can be able to sell our new pacemakers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all medical devices be studied before they can be used in the general population.
Your question about who needs a pacemaker more, men or women is a good one, however, the answer is not too exciting. The population is pretty much split down the middle with about equal numbers going into men and women. Who lives longer, women or men?
There are no machines that can predict if you will need a pacemaker when you get older. If a child is born with a certain disease (there are too many to discuss) it may be an indication that the child may need a pacemaker later.
I will have to research your question about the youngest patient ever to get a pacemaker, but, I believe we have successfully implanted devices into the unborn. Please do not ask how, it would take many pages to ENDget a pacemaker, but, I believe we have successfully implanted devices into the unborn. Please do not ask how, it would take many pages to describe and then I would expect to see a HUH? on your web page. It was good hearing your voice.
Sincerely,
Mr. D
Dear Danielle:
Thanks for the questions. The answers may surprise you.
1. What did you have to study to become somebody who works with pacemakers?
Believe it or not, Danielle, I am a Registered Nurse. While I worked as a nurse, I always focused on "cardiac related" nursing. I worked in a "cardiac cath" lab for several years and eventually left nursing to go to work for industry.
2. Why did you choose your career?
I went to nursing school because a wonderful lady encouraged me. She was a nursing supervisor at the hospital where I worked as a nursing assistant. Since I showed an interest and an aptitude in cardiac nursing, she pushed me hard to move on into a field where I could "go places." Boy do I owe her a debt of gratitude. There are times in your life where good and caring people can see the path ahead of you more clearly than you. Listen to those people who you trust and you will go far.
I guess you could say that the career chose me. I lost interest in working for a hospital and industry offered good benefits and pay. It also offered a chance to get out and see the world.
Your friend,
Mr. D
Delos Johnson