A small incision, approximately 5 cm long, is made in the upper chest. A lead (thin insulated wire, like a spaghetti noodle) is guided through the vein into the heart. Your doctor connects the lead to the pacemaker and programs the device. The pacemaker is then inserted beneath the skin.

Is getting a pacemaker a major surgery?

Pacemaker surgery is generally a minor surgery that may take around 1-2 hours to complete. Pacemaker surgery is generally a minor surgery that may take around 1-2 hours to complete. The pacemaker is implanted under the skin of the chest, and there is no need for open-heart surgery.

Is pacemaker surgery painful?

Will I be in pain after the procedure? You may feel some pain or discomfort during the first 48 hours after having a pacemaker fitted, and you'll be given pain-relieving medication. There may also be some bruising where the pacemaker was inserted. This usually passes within a few days.