10 Years of Pacemaker Implantation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State: Our Experience and Matters Arising

Abstract

Abstract Background: There has been an increasing growth in the number of pacemaker implantations in Nigeria. This study is aimed at reviewing the pattern and occurrence of pacemaker implantation and also mode of pacemaker over a 10-year period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent pacemaker implantation over a 10 year period between September 2012 and December 2023. Results: During the study period, 41 patients underwent pacemaker implantation. There were more males (51.2%) than females with a general mean age 66.8 ±10.6. The most common indication was Complete heart block (CHB) (60.98%) followed by second degree atrioventrivcular block (27.27%). There was an increasing trend in the rate of pacemaker implantation over the 10 years in review. There was no significance difference in the rate of complication between the genders. Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation in Port Harcourt south-south, Nigeria started in September 2012. The major reason for pacemaker implantation were complete heart block (CHB) and second degree Atrioventicular block (2nd degree AVB) being the second reason. Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) was rare in our population as opposed to the western world. Pacemaker implantation is being widely accepted in our society and it is lifesaving procedure associated with very low risk. Keywords: Pacemaker, Pacemaker implantation, heart block, Port Harcourt