ICD AND NEW MRI

WHAT DO THEY DO WHEN THEY REPLACE THE ICD WITH THE NEW MRI PROOF TYPE PACEMAKER ICD ? DO THEY REPLACE THE LEADS OR WIRES OR JUST OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW ?

4 Comments

MRI safe PM's

by Grateful Heart - 2014-10-01 09:10:31


You would also need the MRI safe leads to go with it.

Grateful Heart

Are you in need of

by Grateful Heart - 2014-10-02 09:10:54


An MRI.....or just wondering?

First the risk: They would have to remove the leads with a laser and a sheath. You would want a Doctor (EP) that has performed hundreds of these per year (very, very experienced). From what I've read, they have perfected the procedure now. Of course, there is always a risk with all surgeries.

I believe it may just be an overnighter like when we had the original implant.

Recovery time I would think would be just like starting all over again with the arm restrictions, etc.

Personally, unless you absolutely needed it, I would pass on it. Having said that, I have already been told I will probably need my leads removed and replaced someday due to my age. Only because they can't fit too many leads in the same vein after awhile.

I was hoping someone who has been through it would respond to you. They may still come along.

Grateful Heart

Same risks.. Just slightly higher

by Harrie - 2014-10-02 10:10:25

I was told the risks of extraction are the same as the original implant, just slightly higher. The longer the leads have been in place, the greater the chance of complications. Not to scare you but I was told 1 in 100 chance of death, maybe a little less for me because the lead wasn't that old.

There are some additional risks which wouldn't necessarily apply to you. For example when removing one lead they may damage the other. Not a problem if they're taking both.. If you've developed a clot in the vein they may need to re-locate everything on the other side.

. But... The preparation for the surgery was impeccable. It was done in an operating theatre not a cath lab, there was a cardio-thoracic surgeon, as well as the ep, 2 anaesthetists, a third on stand-by in case they needed to open my chest etc etc., all of which is laid out in the guidelines for extraction.
I had a night in the ICU and another in hospital.

No complications and the lead came out pretty easily.

Hope this helps.


NEW ICD FOR MRI

by relax221 - 2014-10-02 12:10:51

whats the recovery time in the hospital AND THE RISK ?

You know you're wired when...

You read consumer reports before upgrading to a new model.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.