Pacemaker & ICD Implant Surgery in Dubai
Services
Cardiac Device Therapy
When the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly, it can put your health—and life—at serious risk. Pacemakers and Internal Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) are advanced devices designed to correct life-threatening heart rhythm disorders and support normal cardiac function.
A pacemaker helps regulate slow heart rhythms, while an ICD monitors for dangerously fast rhythms and delivers a shock when needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
For individuals in need of Pacemaker Implant Surgery in Dubai and ICD implant surgery in Dubai, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob offers expert, evidence-based care using the latest cardiac devices and minimally invasive techniques. As a renowned consultant cardiologist, he ensures precise device selection, safe implantation, and long-term monitoring tailored to each patient’s condition.
Understanding pacemakers
A pacemaker is a small electronic device designed to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats and support cardiac function. It’s implanted under the skin near the collarbone and connected to the heart with tiny wires.
When the heart beats too slowly or pauses, the pacemaker sends electrical impulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.
What are the different types of pacemakers?
- Single-chamber pacemaker: Sends electrical impulses to a single heart chamber—typically the right ventricle to help regulate the heartbeat.
- Dual-chamber pacemaker: Stimulates the right atrium and right ventricle, coordinating the timing between upper and lower chambers.
- Biventricular pacemaker (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy - CRT): Sends signals to both the left and right ventricles to synchronize their contractions, enhancing heart function in patients with heart failure.
Who needs a pacemaker?
As a leading pacemaker doctor in Dubai, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob ensures each patient receives the most suitable device. Pacemakers are typically recommended for people with:
- Bradycardia (a slow heartbeat)
- Heart failure
- Heart block
- Sick sinus syndrome, a problem with the heart’s natural pacemaker
- Atrial fibrillation with a slow heart rate
- Cardioinhibitory syncope (fainting from slow heart rhythms)
Modern pacemakers are smart—they can adjust your heart rate based on your activity level, ensuring proper oxygen delivery.
Know what an Internal Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) is
Unlike a pacemaker that manages slow or irregular heartbeats, an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) is built to intervene when the heart beats dangerously fast.
Conditions like ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart abruptly stops pumping effectively.
If that happens, the ICD delivers a shock to restore a normal rhythm—essentially acting as an internal life-saving defibrillator.
- Recovery and aftercare: Patients often wonder about pain after heart stent placement. While some discomfort or bruising at the insertion site is normal, severe pain is rare.
- Heart stent surgery recovery time is typically much shorter than open-heart surgery, with most patients returning to light activities within a few days and complete recovery within a few weeks.
- Treatment after stent placement typically involves two main components: Antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clots on the stent, and lifestyle changes to manage underlying risk factors.
What are the types of ICDs?
ICDs also come in two main types:
- Traditional Transvenous ICD: Implanted below the collarbone with leads that run through the veins into the heart, offering both pacing and shock delivery.
- Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD): Implanted under the skin on the side of the chest, with the lead positioned along the breastbone—ideal for patients who don’t require pacing support.
Who needs an ICD implant surgery in Dubai?
You may be a candidate for an ICD if you have:
- Survived a sudden cardiac arrest
- A history of dangerous, fast arrhythmias
- Experienced ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation
- A weakened heart muscle or prior heart attacks, putting you at high risk of sudden death
Some ICDs also have pacemaker capabilities, which can correct both slow and fast heart rhythms.
How are pacemakers and ICDs implanted?
Both pacemakers and ICDs are usually inserted through a minimally invasive surgery performed in a specialized area known as a cardiac catheterization laboratory, or ‘cath lab’.
In some cases—such as when the patient is undergoing open-heart surgery for another condition—Dr. Shaloob may implant the device during the same procedure.
The procedure step-by-step:
- Anaesthesia: Dr. Shaloob will usually administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area and sedation to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. You may feel pressure or a gentle tugging sensation, but it should not be painful.
- Lead placement: A small incision is made beneath the left collarbone. Using X-ray guidance, fine electrical leads are threaded through a blood vessel and into your heart. Once correctly positioned, the leads are connected to the pacemaker or ICD.
- Device insertion: A small space—or ‘pocket’—is created under the skin to house the device, which is about the size of a matchbox. The specialist then checks that the device works properly, ensuring it accurately detects and regulates your heart rhythm.
- Closure: The incision is then closed using stitches or medical glue, and a sterile dressing is applied. While the device is generally well-covered by chest tissue, it may be slightly more visible if you are particularly slim.
Life after pacemaker & ICD implant surgery in Dubai
Receiving a pacemaker or an ICD can be a life-changing moment—but for the better. These devices are designed to protect and support your heart, and most people are able to return to their normal daily routines with a few adjustments and precautions.
Pacemaker Cost in Dubai – What to Expect” → “The pacemaker cost in Dubai varies depending on the type of pacemaker, the technology used, and the facility
Recovery period
Following implantation, you’ll usually remain in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring.
It’s common to feel mild discomfort or swelling around the incision site for a few days, but this improves quickly with proper care.
Dr. Shaloob will give you specific instructions for:
- Caring for the incision site
- Temporary restrictions on lifting or raising your arm
- Avoiding any strenuous activities for a few weeks
Returning to normal activities
Most patients can resume regular activities—including walking, household tasks, and work—within a few days to weeks.
However, it’s essential to:
- Avoid heavy lifting and overhead movements for about 4-6 weeks
- Get clearance from Dr. Shaloob before resuming vigorous exercise or driving
- Refrain from contact sports that could impact the device area
Living with the device
Your device will work quietly in the background, constantly monitoring your heart rhythm and stepping in only when needed. You won’t feel it working, but you can rest assured it’s protecting you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Follow-up visits: Attend regular follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor device function, check battery life, and adjust settings if needed.
- Medical ID: Carry a device ID card and consider wearing a medical alert necklace or bracelet in case of emergency.
- Electronics & magnets: Most household electronics are safe, but you should avoid prolonged exposure to strong magnets or devices with high electromagnetic fields (e.g., MRI machines, industrial welders).
- Traveling: You can travel with your pacemaker or ICD. Inform airport security and carry your ID card to avoid passing through metal detectors.
Dr. Muhamed Shaloob – Expert in pacemaker and ICD implant surgery in Dubai
With over 12 years of specialized clinical experience and more than 9,000 successful cardiac procedures, Dr. Muhamed Shaloob is one of the most trusted names in pacemaker and ICD implant surgery in Dubai. Widely regarded as one of the best cardiologists in Dubai, he provides complete care—from accurate diagnosis and device selection to minimally invasive implantation, remote monitoring, and long-term follow-up.
Take charge of your heart rhythm today.
FAQs
What is a pacemaker of the heart?
A pacemaker is a compact electronic device implanted beneath the skin that sends electrical impulses to the heart to help control slow or irregular heartbeats.
What is a defibrillator or ICD?
An internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects and corrects dangerously fast heart rhythms. It delivers a controlled life-saving shock to restore normal rhythm.
Who performs ICD cardiology procedures?
ICD implantation is performed by a cardiologist like Dr. Shaloob, specializing in device therapy for heart rhythm disorders.
What is the pacemaker cost in Dubai?
Pacemaker cost in Dubai may differ depending on the type of pacemaker, the technology used, and the facility. It’s advisable to consult your cardiologist or hospital for a detailed estimate.