Patan Hospital starts pacemaker implantation service

Kathmandu, March 27

The hospital officially started the service by implanting a pacemaker in the chest of a 65-year-old person who was suffering from arrythamias.

“We have started the service for the first time at the hospital. The hospital had started Cathlab service for cardiac patients some four months ago and implanting of permanent pacemakers is an extension of the cardiac health service at the hospital,” said Dr Sachin Dhungel, assistant professor of cardiology at Patan Academy of Health Sciences.

“Pacemakers can be implanted at a minimal cost at the hospital. It can be done at just Rs150,000. The government provides Rs 100,000 for pacemaker implantation and patients get this facility at Patan Hospital too. Hence, patients have to pay just Rs 50,000,” said Dr Dhungel.

A pacemaker consists of a battery, a computerised generator and wires with sensors at their tips.  Battery powers the generator and both are surrounded by a thin metal box. The wires connect the generator to the heart.

A pacemaker helps monitor and control heartbeat. The electrodes detect heart’s electrical activity and send data through the wires to the computer in the generator. If the heart rhythm is abnormal, the computer will direct the generator to send electrical pulses to heart. The pulses travel through the wires to reach the heart.

Patan Hospital has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre for necessary support needed for the treatment of cardiac patients.