Definition

1. Noun:
   • An implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemaker: An "artificial pacemaker" is a small, battery-powered medical device that is surgically placed under the skin, usually near the collarbone. It sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain a regular and adequate heart rate when the heart's natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) is not functioning properly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient's bradycardia was successfully treated with an artificial pacemaker.
  • Modern artificial pacemakers are programmable and can adjust the heart rate based on the patient's activity level.

Advanced Usage

• "to have an artificial pacemaker implanted": to undergo surgery to receive the device.
  • After the diagnosis, she had an artificial pacemaker implanted to regulate her heartbeat.

Variants and Related Words

• Pacemaker (noun): Often used as a shorter, more common term for "artificial pacemaker." It can also refer to the natural sinoatrial node of the heart or a person/team that sets the pace in a race.

  • The cardiologist checked the settings on his pacemaker.

• Cardiac pacemaker (noun): A more technical term that can refer to either the natural biological structure or the artificial device.

• Implantable pacemaker (noun): A synonym emphasizing the device is designed to be placed inside the body.

Synonyms

• Electronic pacemaker: Highlights the electronic nature of the device.
• Heart pacemaker: A common descriptive synonym.

Noun

1. an implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemaker