Pacemaker Surgery in Mumbai
A pacemaker is a small battery-powered device placed under the skin near the collarbone to keep the heart beating at a steady rhythm when its natural electrical system slows down or skips. Dr. Kiran Narang performs pacemaker implantation in Mumbai for patients with bradycardia, complete heart block, sick sinus syndrome, and other rhythm disorders. The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes, is done under local anaesthesia, and most patients go home within 24 to 48 hours.
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Meet Dr. Kiran Narang – Pacemaker Specialist in Mumbai
Dr. Kiran Narang is a Pacemaker specialist in Mumbai with over 12 years in clinical practice and more than 8 years dedicated to interventional cardiology. He has handled the full range of bradyarrhythmia cases, from elderly patients with symptomatic slow heart rates to younger patients with congenital conduction problems. His implant decisions are guided by current pacing guidelines rather than device-vendor preference.
He consults at his clinic in Vasant Oasis, Andheri East. The focus there is on getting the indication right before the device. Many patients arrive after being told they “need a pacemaker”, and in some cases the real fix is adjusting a medication that is slowing the heart. When a pacemaker is genuinely needed, Dr. Narang walks through the choice of device, what life looks like afterwards, and what the long-term costs of follow-up and battery replacement will be.
Signs & Conditions That May Require Pacemaker Surgery
A pacemaker is usually recommended when the heart’s natural pacing system can no longer keep up with the body’s demand. The common triggers:
Persistent slow heart rate (bradycardia)
under 50 beats per minute with fatigue, breathlessness, or dizziness
Fainting episodes
caused by long pauses between heartbeats
Complete heart block
where signals from the upper chambers do not reach the lower chambers
Sick sinus syndrome
with alternating fast and slow rhythms
Atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response,
when rate-controlling medications cannot be safely reduced
Heart failure with conduction delay (wide QRS),
where a biventricular pacemaker can improve pumping efficiency
Symptomatic medication-induced bradycardia
that cannot be solved by changing the drug
Diagnosis usually starts with a resting ECG and a Holter monitor (24 hours to 14 days) to catch intermittent pauses that a single ECG can miss. An echocardiogram is added to rule out structural heart disease before any implant decision is made.
Worried about a slow heartbeat or fainting episodes? Book a consultation with the pacemaker specialist in Mumbai
Types of Pacemakers Available
The right pacemaker depends on which part of the heart’s electrical system is failing. Dr. Narang implants the following:
Single-Chamber Pacemaker
One lead is placed in either the right atrium or right ventricle. Often used for patients with isolated sinus node disease, or chronic atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular rate.
Dual-Chamber Pacemaker
Two leads, one in the right atrium and one in the right ventricle, coordinate timing between the upper and lower chambers. This is the most common type used today because it mimics normal heart physiology more closely.
Biventricular Pacemaker (CRT-P)
Three leads, with an additional lead reaching the left ventricle through a coronary vein. Used for heart failure patients with conduction delay; it resynchronises the two ventricles to improve pumping. Candidates usually have an ejection fraction under 35% along with a wide QRS (above 130 ms) on the ECG.
Leadless Pacemaker
A small capsule placed directly inside the right ventricle through a leg vein, without any wires or chest incision. Reserved for selected patients who need single-chamber pacing.
Rate-Responsive Pacemaker
Any of the above with a sensor that adjusts the pacing rate based on physical activity. Useful for active patients who do not want to feel limited by a fixed heart rate.
How is Pacemaker Surgery Done?
Pacemaker surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed in a cath lab, not an operating theatre. The sequence Dr. Narang follows:
Step 1 — Pre-procedure check.
Blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram, and a chest X-ray are reviewed. Blood thinners, if any, are paused as advised.
Step 2 — Local anaesthesia.
The area below the left collarbone is numbed. Patients stay awake and can talk during the procedure; light sedation is added if needed.
Step 3 — Vein access.
A small 4 to 5 cm incision is made and the lead or leads are passed through the subclavian or cephalic vein, then guided into the heart chambers under live X-ray (fluoroscopy).
Step 4 — Lead positioning and testing.
Each lead is tested to confirm good electrical contact with the heart muscle. Thresholds, impedance, and sensing values are recorded.
Step 5 — Generator placement.
The pulse generator, what patients usually call the “battery”, is placed in a pocket created beneath the skin. The leads are connected, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
A single or dual-chamber implant takes 60 to 90 minutes. A biventricular system can take 90 to 150 minutes because the left ventricular lead is the trickiest to position.
Benefits of Pacemaker Surgery
For the right patient, a pacemaker is one of the most reliably life-changing procedures in cardiology. What patients typically notice:
A stable heart rate, with no more sudden slowing or pauses
An end to fainting episodes caused by bradycardia
More energy and less breathlessness during daily activity
Reduced risk of falls and injury, especially in elderly patients
Measurable improvement in ejection fraction and heart failure symptoms in CRT cases
MRI-compatible (1.5T, with conditions) and Bluetooth-enabled remote monitoring on modern devices
Battery life of 8 to 12 years before a generator change is needed
A pacemaker does not treat coronary artery disease or valve disease; those need separate management. If blockages are also present, angioplasty can be planned in a separate sitting after the pacemaker is in place.
Need clarity on whether a pacemaker is right for you? Get a second opinion from an experienced interventional cardiologist in Mumbai
Recovery After Pacemaker Surgery
Most patients are discharged within 24 to 48 hours of implantation. The first six weeks are the key period, during which the leads scar into place and the incision heals.
First 48 hours:
Mild soreness at the incision site. Avoid lifting the arm on the implant side above shoulder level. Sponge bath only, no submerging the wound.
Week 1 to 2:
Stitches or staples removed if non-absorbable. Driving is restricted for the first week. Light walking is encouraged from day two.
Week 2 to 6:
Gradual return to normal activity. No heavy lifting, swimming, golf, or vigorous shoulder movement on the implant side. Most office workers head back to work in 7 to 10 days.
After 6 weeks:
Full activity, including most sports. The first device check happens here, then every 6 to 12 months, either in-clinic or via remote monitoring.
Long term:
Keep mobile phones out of the chest pocket directly over the device. Industrial-strength magnets and arc welders should be discussed before going near them. Household appliances, airport security, and MRI (in compatible devices) are safe with the right precautions.
Why Choose Dr. Kiran Narang for Pacemaker Surgery in Mumbai?
Same Cardiologist at Every Step
From the first consultation to the implant to the 10-year follow-up, you see the same person. No referral to a separate operator on the day of the procedure, no being passed around between teams when something needs sorting.
Device Chosen for the Patient, Not the Vendor
Many implant centres run a preferred-brand model for commercial reasons. Here, the device brand is selected based on your anatomy, age, expected lifestyle, and what battery longevity actually means in your case. All major brands (Medtronic, Abbott, Boston Scientific, Biotronik) are available.
MRI-Compatible and Remote-Monitored Devices
Every device implanted is MR-conditional and Bluetooth-enabled. If you need an MRI scan five years from now, or want home transmission instead of clinic visits, the device is already set up for it.
Transparent Pricing Before Admission
You get a written estimate that covers the device, hospital stay, and first follow-up before the day of admission. Insurance pre-authorisation is handled by the team. Related procedures, including coronary angiography and angioplasty, are done at the same facility, which is useful for patients who need more than one procedure.
Patient Testimonials
FAQs
Is pacemaker surgery a major operation?
No. It is minimally invasive, done under local anaesthesia, and usually finished in under 90 minutes.
How long does a pacemaker battery last?
8 to 12 years for most modern devices. Replacement involves just the generator, not the leads, in most cases.
Can I use a mobile phone after a pacemaker?
Yes. Use the ear opposite the implant and keep the phone out of the chest pocket above the device.
Can I get an MRI with a pacemaker?
Yes, if the device is labelled MR-conditional, which most modern implants are. Tell the radiologist in advance.
How do I book a pacemaker consultation with Dr. Kiran Narang?
Call +91 99674 82300 or visit the contact page on drkirannarang.com to fix an appointment at the Andheri East clinic.