💜Pacemakers, as marvels of medical technology, have the power to both extend and enhance countless lives. Data from the National Institutes of Health reveals that over 4.5 million individuals globally have received pacemaker implants, with a staggering 3 million in the U.S. alone. Moreover, there are upwards of 0.8 million Americans equipped with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
🤔But what is the actual role of a pacemaker when a person is in a coma?
The answer lies in understanding the nature of a coma, which is a profound state of unconsciousness in which a person is unresponsive to their environment. A pacemaker's primary function is to ensure a stable heart rhythm, but it cannot awaken someone from a coma or influence their brain activity.
🫂This post outlines the relevant, ethical, and practical considerations for choosing and implementing pacemakers and management strategies. Let's delve into the details and uncover the truth.