Insertion/Removal/Exchange – A pacemaker is an electronic device that makes your heart beat more regularly. The device is placed under the skin on your chest and the wires travel through a vein into your heart. The pacemaker can read the electric signals your heart is trying to send and send more if needed. Pacemaker batteries last from 5-10 years so you will need to have your device checked and have it changed when needed. When the battery is changed, the wires stay but the small device that is under the skin is traded for a new one.