Patients Characteristic, Indications, and Complications of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

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