Patients Characteristic, Indications, and Complications of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation: A Prospective Single-center Study

Abstract

Background: Permanent pacemaker implantation is a relatively safe procedure that significantly improves morbidity and mortalityamong patients with bradyarrhythmias. This study was conducted to determine the patients’ characteristics, indications, andcomplications of pacemaker implantation. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, prospective study conducted in AzadiHeart Center, Duhok, Iraq between March 2013 and March 2020. All patients who had indications for permanent pacemakerimplantation according to the current guidelines (AHA/ACC) were included and followed up for at least 1 year. Results: The studyincluded 396 patients (242 males [61%] and 154 females [39%]) with a mean age of 65 ± 16 years. The most common presentingsymptom was dizziness (63%). Atrioventricular block was the most common indication for pacing in 249 cases (63%), followed by sicksinus syndrome (SSS) in 138 patients (34.8%). The most common mode of pacing was DDD in 234 patients (59%). Among all patientsundergoing permanent pacemaker implantation, 17 patients (4.25%) developed early and late complications. The most commonearly complication was pocket hematoma seen in four patients (1%), followed by pneumothorax in three patients (0.75%). Amonglate complications, painful shoulder was the most common affecting four patients (1%). Conclusions: Pacemaker implantation is arelatively safe procedure with a low complication rate. Elderly males were the most common group receiving permanent pacemaker.Dual-chamber (DDD) pacing mode was the most commonly used mode