A pacemaker is a small device that's placed (implanted) into the chest to help control the heartbeat. It's used to prevent our heart from beating too slowly. Implanting a pacemaker in the chest requires a small surgical procedure. A pacemaker is also called a cardiac pacing device. Types Depending on the condition, one might have one of the following types of pacemakers. • Single chamber pacemaker. This type usually carries electrical impulses to the right lower chamber(ventricle) of the heart. • Dual chamber pacemaker. This type carries electrical impulses to the right ventricle and the right upper chamber(atrium) of the heart to help control the timing of contractions between the two chambers. • Biventricular pacemaker. Biventricular pacing, also called cardiac resynchronization therapy, is for people who have heart failure and heartbeat problems. This type of pacemaker stimulates both of the lower heart chambers (the right and left ventricles) to make the heart beat more efficiently. A pacemaker has two parts: • Pulse generator. This small metal container houses a battery and the electrical circuitry that controls the rate of electrical pulses sent to the heart, is placed under the skin. • Leads (electrodes). One to three flexible, insulated wires are each placed in one or more chambers of the heart and deliver the electrical pulses to adjust the heart rate. However, some newer pacemakers don't require leads. These devices, called leadless pacemakers, are implanted directly into the heart muscle. Risks Complications related to pacemaker surgery or having a pacemaker are uncommon, but could include: • Infection near the site in the heart where the device is implanted • Swelling, bruising or bleeding at the pacemaker site, especially if you take blood thinners • Blood clots (thromboembolism) near the pacemaker site • Damage to blood vessels or nerves near the pacemaker • Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) • Blood in the space between the lung and chest wall (hemothorax) • Movement (shifting) of the device or leads Special precautions It's unlikely that your pacemaker would stop working properly because of electrical interference. Still, you'll need to take a few precautions: • Cellphones. It's safe to talk on a cellphone, but keep cellphone at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from the pacemaker. Don't keep the phone in a shirt pocket. When talking on phone, one should hold it to the ear opposite the side where pacemaker was implanted. • Security systems. Passing through an airport metal detector won't interfere with pacemaker, although the metal in the pacemaker could sound the alarm. But avoid lingering near or leaning against a metal-detection system. To avoid potential problems, carry an ID card stating that you have a pacemaker. • Medical equipment. Make sure all doctors and dentists know you have a pacemaker. Certain medical procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging, cancer radiation treatment, electrocautery to control bleeding during surgery, and shock wave lithotripsy to break up large kidney stones or gallstones could interfere with pacemaker. • Power-generating equipment. Stand at least 2 feet (61 centimeters) from welding equipment, high-voltage transformers or motor-generator systems. If you work around such equipment, ask your doctor about arranging a test in your workplace to determine whether the equipment affects your pacemaker.