By Joyce Kantam Kolamong
In a medical display of compassion, the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) has successfully implanted pacemakers in 9 patients, giving them a second chance at life. The procedure, which was made possible through a collaboration with Mount Carmel Hospital in the United States, is a significant milestone in the hospital’s efforts to provide quality healthcare to its patients.
The pacemaker implantation procedure involves inserting a small device called a pacemaker into the body to help regulate the heartbeat. The device consists of two main parts: a pulse generator and leads. The pulse generator contains the battery and electronic circuitry, while the leads connect the pulse generator to the heart.
The pacemaker implantation procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, and it costs more than 5000 US dollars
Speaking to GBCNEWS on the last day of the exercise, a Cardiologist at TTH, Dr. Abdul Subul Yakubu, who led the team, said the patients who underwent the procedure were suffering from a condition known as complete heart block, which causes the heart to beat at a slow rate. “These patients would have otherwise been unable to afford the device on their own,” Dr. Yakubu explained. “Thanks to our cooperation with Dr. Addo and his team from Mount Carmel Hospital, we were able to supply the pacemakers to them for free.”
Dr. Yakubu emphasized the importance of the procedure, noting that the patients who underwent the implantation would have otherwise been at risk of serious complications, including death. “These patients would have otherwise been unable to afford the device on their own,” he said. “We have given them a fresh start, an opportunity that they would otherwise not have had.”
The procedure was made possible through a team effort involving local staff and experts from the United States. Dr. Yakubu expressed his gratitude to the team, including Dr. Addo and his team from Mount Carmel Hospital, for their support and expertise.
According to Dr. Yakubu, while pacemaker implantation is a life-saving procedure, patients can still develop complications after the device has been implanted. He emphasized that managing these potential complications is critical to ensuring the patient’s long-term health and well-being.
“To minimize the risk of complications, patients receive specific instructions after pacemaker implantation. These instructions are provided in printed format”.
Pacemakers are designed to provide long-term support for individuals with irregular heartbeats. The device’s longevity depends on various factors, including usage and individual factors. On average, a pacemaker can last for at least 10 years. However, the actual lifespan may vary depending on how frequently the device is used.
Lifelong Dependence
Dr. Yakubu indicated that Individuals with pacemakers will require the device for the rest of their lives adding that regular check-ups and monitoring ensure the device functions optimally and identify potential issues before they become major concerns.
When asked about the sustainability of the programme, Dr. Yakubu noted that while the procedure was sponsored, the hospital aims to make the treatment modality accessible to its patients in the long run. “A lot of investment has to go into it, into training local staff and infrastructure,” he said.
This year’s exercise marked a significant improvement from the previous year, with 9 successful implants, up from 3 in 2023, and the hospital aims to continue increasing its capacity to help more patients in need
The successful implantation of pacemakers in 9 patients is a significant achievement for TTH, and a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to its patients. As Dr. Yakubu noted, “We have given them a second chance at life.”
