ANAESTHESIA FOR PACEMAKER / DEFIBRILLATOR INSERTION
Pacemaker or defibrillator (ICD) insertion can be performed under general anaesthesia, sedation, or local anaesthesia, depending on your individual health status.
Each patient is carefully assessed to determine the safest and most appropriate anaesthetic approach. In some cases — particularly in patients with significant heart or lung disease — sedation or general anaesthesia may carry higher risks. In these situations, local anaesthesia alone is often the safest option.
Enhancing Comfort with a Nerve BlockFor these procedures, Dr Vanza often performs a regional nerve block to improve post-operative pain relief.
- This involves placing local anaesthetic near the nerves under the collarbone using ultrasound guidance
- The nerve block can be performed after you are asleep (if general anaesthesia is used)
- It significantly reduces pain at the surgical site and complements the pain relief from oral medications
