pacemakerakkumulator

The pacemakerakkumulator is the energy storage component of a cardiac pacemaker. In German-language medical literature the term refers to the power source that stores and supplies electrical energy to the pacing and sensing circuits of an implanted device. The accumulator works in concert with the pulse generator to deliver timely electrical impulses that regulate heart rhythm and to power telemetry and programming features.

Power sources for pacemakers have evolved over time. The majority of modern devices use a non-rechargeable lithium-iodide battery with a long typical life, often measured in years, depending on the patient’s pacing needs and battery chemistry. This design minimizes the need for frequent interventions. Some experimental or specialized systems have explored rechargeable energy storage and external recharging methods, sometimes via transcutaneous energy transfer. Such approaches aim to extend device life and reduce generator replacement procedures, but they require patient compliance and careful safety monitoring.

The energy management system within the pacemakerakkumulator is designed for reliability and safety. It includes safeguards against overdrain, leakage, and sudden power failure, and the device is usually hermetically sealed in a biocompatible titanium housing with leads that connect to the heart tissue. Regular device checks track battery status and performance; when the battery approaches exhaustion, clinicians plan a generator replacement procedure, while pacing leads are typically preserved if possible.

Historically, pacemaker power sources have transitioned from external or short-lived cells to long-life internal batteries, with ongoing research into even longer-lasting or rechargeable configurations. The term pacemakerakkumulator remains a reference in German-language contexts to the device’s energy storage element.