Pacemaker
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Pacemaker
- Cardiac pacemakers are a frequently encountered artifact seen on chest X-rays
- There are many different designs of pacemaker which may have one or two leads placed in the right heart chambers
- The pulse generator (battery pack) is usually implanted in the retro-pectoral space on the left side of the anterior chest wall
Pneumothorax following pacemaker insertion
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Pneumothorax following pacemaker insertion
- After pacemaker insertion a chest X-ray is used to check for a pneumothorax
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
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Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have a similar appearance to pacemakers
- The ventricular lead has two thicker segments – these are the shocking electrodes which automatically defibrillate the heart if an arrhythmia is detected
- The proximal shocking electrode is located in the superior vena cava and left brachiocephalic vein
- The distal shocking electrode is located in the right ventricle