Is the heart still beating during open-heart surgery?

Dear Mr Nagarajan,

Thank you for reaching out to the HexaHealth Doctor Community.

Regarding your query about pacemaker battery replacement —
This is a common and generally safe procedure known as pacemaker generator replacement. It is necessary when the battery, also called the generator, nears the end of its lifespan (usually after 5-10 years, depending on usage and device type).

Recommended Treatment Plan

• Assessment: A detailed check, including device interrogation, is done to confirm battery depletion.

• Procedure: The replacement is a relatively straightforward surgery, typically performed under local anaesthesia. Only the battery (pulse generator) is replaced; the leads (wires connected to the heart) are usually left in place if they are functioning well.

• Recovery: Most patients are discharged the same day or the next day. Physical activity may be restricted for 2-3 weeks to allow proper healing.

Precautions to Take

• Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous arm movements on the side of the pacemaker for at least 2–4 weeks.

• Follow up regularly to monitor the new device's functioning.

• Notify airport security and healthcare providers about the pacemaker.

• Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever after the procedure and report immediately.

To assist you better, could you please let us know:

• Are you looking for a second opinion?

• Do you need help finding the best doctor or hospital in Chennai?

• Are you looking to understand the cost and insurance coverage options?

Once you share this information, we will connect you with the right specialist and guide you through the following steps.

Wishing you good health and a smooth recovery!

नमस्ते मुकेश जी,

आपके सीने में खिंचाव और दर्द की शिकायत, और ECG में हल्का ब्लॉकेज आना — ये संकेत हो सकते हैं कि आपको दिल से जुड़ी समस्या हो रही है। ऐसे में इलाज में देरी करना सही नहीं होगा।

सबसे अच्छी बात यह है कि अगर आपके पास आयुष्मान भारत कार्ड (PM-JAY) है और आप इसके योग्य हैं, तो आप Faridabad के कई आयुष्मान पैनल वाले सरकारी और प्राइवेट अस्पतालों में बिल्कुल फ्री में इलाज करवा सकते हैं।

🔹 आयुष्मान कार्ड से क्या-क्या फ्री होता है?

• भर्ती (hospitalization)

• दवाइयाँ

• टेस्ट (जैसे ECG, Echo, Angiography आदि)

• ऑपरेशन (अगर ज़रूरी हो)

• ICU इलाज (योजना के अनुसार)

💯 इलाज का 100% खर्च सरकार द्वारा कवर किया जाता है — आपको कुछ भी भुगतान नहीं करना होता, बशर्ते आप योग्य हैं और अस्पताल आयुष्मान से जुड़ा हो।

🔍 Faridabad में आयुष्मान कार्ड से इलाज कैसे करवाएं?

1. https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in पर जाएं

2. State में "Haryana" और District में "Faridabad" चुनें

3. Hospital Type में "Private" या "Public" चुनें

4. “Search” पर क्लिक करें — आपको सभी पैनल वाले अस्पतालों की लिस्ट मिल जाएगी

Hello Uttam Singh Ji,

Thank you for reaching out to the HexaHealth Community.

There are several top hospitals in Delhi that provide excellent treatment for heart diseases and are empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Some of the reputed hospitals include: 

• GB Pant Hospital
• RML Hospital (Ram Manohar Lohia)
• Safdarjung Hospital
• AIIMS Delhi
• Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital
• Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute
• Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi etc

These hospitals offer specialised cardiac care and accept the Ayushman Card for eligible treatments.

To confirm empanelment and available facilities:
🔗 Visit https://hospitals.pmjay.gov.in
Select State: NCT of Delhi and search by hospital name.