A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to help regulate abnormal heart rhythms. For patients with bradycardia (slow heartbeat), heart block, or irregular electrical activity, a pacemaker can be lifesaving—restoring proper rhythm, preventing fainting, and improving overall quality of life.

In recent years, Vietnam has become one of Asia’s emerging destinations for pacemaker implantation, offering high-quality cardiac care at exceptionally affordable prices compared to the United States, Australia, Europe, South Korea, and Singapore. With advanced technology, experienced cardiologists, and modern hospitals, Vietnam now attracts international patients seeking both cost savings and excellent medical outcomes.

This 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about Pacemaker Implant in Vietnam—including types of pacemakers, procedure steps, cost, top hospitals, risks, recovery, and what international patients can expect.

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⭐ 1. What Is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device implanted under the skin of the chest to help the heart maintain a normal rhythm. It monitors electrical activity and sends electrical impulses to stimulate the heart when needed.

✔ What a pacemaker does:

• Prevents dangerously slow heart rates

• Improves symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and fainting

• Enhances quality of life

• Reduces risk of cardiac arrest

• Ensures reliable heart rhythm 24/7

Pacemakers are designed to last 7–15 years depending on type and usage.

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⭐ 2. Who Needs a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is recommended for patients with:

✔ Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

Heart rate consistently below 60 beats per minute.

✔ Heart block (AV block)

Electrical signals do not travel properly through the heart.

✔ Sick sinus syndrome

The heart’s natural pacemaker becomes dysfunctional.

✔ Tachy-brady syndrome

Alternating fast and slow rhythms.

✔ Atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response

Irregular rhythm causing slow beating.

✔ After cardiac surgery

Some patients develop conduction issues post-op.

✔ Syncope (fainting) due to arrhythmia

Unpredictable episodes resulting from electrical instability.

If left untreated, these conditions can lead to:

• dizziness

• fainting

• fatigue

• shortness of breath

• reduced heart output

• life-threatening complications

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⭐ 3. Why Choose Vietnam for Pacemaker Implantation?

Vietnam offers a strong combination of quality, affordability, and accessibility.

✔ 3.1. Highly trained cardiologists

Many Vietnamese electrophysiologists and cardiology specialists have trained in:

• France

• Germany

• Japan

• South Korea

• Singapore

• United States

This ensures modern techniques and international-level expertise.

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✔ 3.2. Modern hospitals & cardiac centers

Pacemaker implantation in Vietnam is performed in:

• Hybrid operating rooms

• Electrophysiology labs

• Cardiac catheterization suites

• ICU-equipped cardiac centers

These facilities use equipment comparable to major hospitals in Singapore and Seoul.

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✔ 3.3. Advanced pacemaker brands

Vietnam uses globally trusted pacemaker systems from:

• Medtronic (USA)

• Abbott/St. Jude (USA)

• Boston Scientific (USA)

• Biotronik (Germany)

• Sorin/LivaNova (Europe)

These are the same devices implanted worldwide.

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✔ 3.4. Affordable cost

Pacemaker implantation in Vietnam is 60–80% cheaper than Western countries.

Huge savings without compromising quality.

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✔ 3.5. Fast scheduling & short waiting times

Pacemaker implantation can be scheduled quickly in Vietnam—often within 1–3 days.

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✔ 3.6. Excellent follow-up care

Hospitals provide:

• regular device checks

• wound care

• battery evaluations

• remote monitoring options

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⭐ 4. Types of Pacemakers Available in Vietnam

Vietnam offers all international types of pacemakers used worldwide.

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⭐ 4.1. Single-Chamber Pacemaker

Stimulates one heart chamber, typically the right ventricle.
Used for:

• persistent bradycardia

• atrial fibrillation with slow response

Cost: $3,500 – $5,000

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⭐ 4.2. Dual-Chamber Pacemaker

Stimulates two chambers: right atrium & right ventricle.
Helps coordinate timing between chambers.

Cost: $4,500 – $6,500

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⭐ 4.3. Biventricular Pacemaker (CRT-P)

Used in heart failure to synchronize left & right ventricles.

Cost: $6,000 – $10,000

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⭐ 4.4. Leadless Pacemaker

Newest technology—tiny device placed directly inside the heart.

Brands: Micra™ (Medtronic)

Cost: $10,000 – $20,000

(Available in select hospitals only)

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⭐ 5. How the Pacemaker Implantation Procedure Works

Pacemaker implantation is minimally invasive and typically takes 1–2 hours.

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⭐ Step-by-step procedure

1️⃣ Pre-Procedure Evaluation

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Holter monitor

• Echocardiogram

• Blood tests

• Chest X-ray

• Medication review

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2️⃣ Local anesthesia

The patient remains awake but comfortable.

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3️⃣ Incision

A small incision (2–3 cm) is made under the collarbone.

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4️⃣ Lead insertion

Leads (wires) are guided through the veins into the heart using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance).

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5️⃣ Device placement

The pacemaker generator is placed under the skin of the chest.

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6️⃣ Testing

The cardiologist tests pacing thresholds and rhythm response.

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7️⃣ Closing

The incision is closed using sutures.

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⭐ After the procedure

Patients usually stay:

• 1 night for single- or dual-chamber devices

• 2–3 nights for complex cases or CRT-P

After discharge:

• light activities only for 1 week

• full recovery in 2–4 weeks

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⭐ 6. Risks & Complications (Rare)

Pacemaker implantation is very safe, but potential risks include:

• Infection at incision site

• Bleeding or hematoma

• Lead displacement

• Pneumothorax (rare)

• Device malfunction (very rare)

Vietnamese hospitals follow strict sterilization protocols to minimize risks.

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⭐ 7. Life with a Pacemaker

✔ Regular check-ups

Pacemakers require routine evaluations (every 6–12 months).

✔ Battery replacement

Battery life: 7–15 years.
Replacement involves a simpler procedure (no lead removal).

✔ Daily life

Most daily activities are safe:

• walking

• working

• traveling

• light exercise

✔ Avoid strong magnetic fields

MRI is allowed only with MRI-compatible pacemakers.

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⭐ 8. Cost Breakdown for Pacemaker Implantation in Vietnam (2025)

Total package: $3,500–$7,000

Cost varies by:

• device brand

• type of pacemaker

• hospital level

• complexity

Still significantly more affordable than other countries.

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⭐ 9. Best Hospitals for Pacemaker Implant in Vietnam

🏥 Ho Chi Minh City

• Vinmec Central Park Hospital

• FV Hospital

• Tam Anh General Hospital

• University Medical Center HCMC

• Cho Ray Hospital

🏥 Hanoi

• Vinmec Times City International Hospital

• Vietnam National Heart Institute (Bach Mai)

• 108 Military Central Hospital

• Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi

• Hanoi Heart Hospital

🏥 Da Nang

• Vinmec Da Nang

• Da Nang General Hospital

These hospitals have electrophysiology labs and experienced cardiologists trained internationally.

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⭐ 10. Patient Journey for Pacemaker Implant in Vietnam

🟦 Step 1: Pre-arrival consultation

Patients submit:

• ECG

• echocardiogram

• past medical history

• medications

• symptoms

🟦 Step 2: Appointment scheduling

Hospital arranges cardiologist visit & admission.

🟦 Step 3: Arrival in Vietnam

Optional airport pickup.

🟦 Step 4: In-hospital evaluation

Repeat tests + device selection.

🟦 Step 5: Surgery

1–2 hours under local anesthesia.

🟦 Step 6: Hospital stay

1–2 nights for monitoring.

🟦 Step 7: Follow-up

Before returning home, a pacing test is done.

🟦 Step 8: Remote support

Clinics provide aftercare via WhatsApp or email.

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⭐ 11. Why International Patients Trust Vietnam for Pacemaker Surgery

• Affordable cost

• Internationally trained cardiologists

• Reliable follow-up care

• Modern technology

• High safety standards

• Dedicated international departments

• Fast access & scheduling

Vietnam is one of Asia’s best-value destinations for high-quality heart treatment.

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⭐ 12. Conclusion

Pacemaker implantation in Vietnam offers international patients a safe, modern, and cost-effective option for treating life-threatening arrhythmias. With world-class cardiologists, advanced facilities, and high-quality pacemaker devices, Vietnam is able to deliver excellent outcomes at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.

For patients who need fast access to reliable treatment — whether due to bradycardia, heart block, or electrical conduction issues — Vietnam provides exceptional medical care, modern technology, and compassionate support.