Dhulikhel Hospital implants its first dual-chamber pacemaker

By Kedar Timalsina

Banepa, Nov. 5: Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavrepalanchok has successfully implanted a dual chamber pacemaker, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s cardiac care services.

The procedure was performed on a patient from Panauti in the district to prevent health complications from a slowed heart rate. 

The implantation, the first of its kind outside Kathmandu, was carried out by a team of doctors, including cardiologists Dr. Rajendra Koju, Dr. Suryaraj Pathak and Dr. Nishan Bhattarai on Tuesday last week.

Hospital cardiologist Dr. Koju explained, “A dual chamber pacemaker is a special device placed in the heart to regulate heartbeat irregularity. If there’s an irregular heartbeat, a pacemaker, commonly referred to as a battery, may be needed to maintain a steady rhythm.”

Dr. Bhattarai explained that the procedure is complex but offers significant benefits to patients with low or stopped heartbeats.

“This pacemaker regulates the heartbeat by placing two wires in two chambers of the heart’s right side and positioning the battery in a small area created in the upper chest through surgery.”

He added, “Last week, a patient visited us with complaints of fatigue and dizziness. Upon examination, it was clear that he required a dual chamber pacemaker.”

He added, “Once implanted, the battery automatically generates waves as needed, helping the heart function normally and making it easier for the patient to walk and carry out daily activities.”

Initially, single-chamber pacemakers were more commonly used, but with technological advancements, dual-chamber pacemakers have become more frequent. 

Dr. Bhattarai noted that the dual chamber pacemaker’s battery lasts eight to 10 years and requires checkups every six months.

For patients needing a single chamber pacemaker, the cost ranges from one to Rs.120,000 while a dual chamber pacemaker costs around Rs.230,000 with Rs.100,000 covered by health insurance.

The availability of dual-chamber pacemakers at Dhulikhel Hospital benefits patients from Kavrepalanchok and surrounding districts. 

While dual chamber pacemakers are already available in major Kathmandu hospitals like Manmohan Cardiothoracic and Gangalal, only a few hospitals outside the valley offer this service.