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Which one?
Hi Everyone,
I've been doing ok after was told a month ago that I may have to replace my device (Medtronic 3 lead type) shortly as the battery levels have dropped. Am going to talk to my Cardio regarding the health of the lead wires. In the meantime, am considering if I should go for another make of ICD. Been reading about St. Jude, Boston Scientific and Medtronic. All have some nice things to say about their product. Any input/suggestion/opinion would be of great help.
Thanks
babuc
7 Comments
Which Brand PM
by SMITTY - 2012-07-15 05:07:21
Hi Babuc,
My first PM was a Medtronic and it did everything it was asked to do. When it came time to replace the unit because of low batteries I asked what brand would the replacement would be I was told it would be a St. Jude. When I ask why the change the Dr said "I guess the hospital gets a better deal on the St Jude but the Medtronic is available." So I asked for and got a Medtronic simply because I get copies of the printouts of my checkup. The St. Jude printout is slightly different and some of the terminology is a different and I didn't want to change trying to understand what I was seeing.
I asked the Dr if it made any different and his reply was "not that I know of. They all do the same thing, but do it slightly different."
I would suggest finding out which brand your Dr prefers and if he has the equipment to do checkups on different brands. There is a different in the computers used for checkup. In fact the PM clinic I use has three different computer setups for the different brands.
Smitty
which device?
by Hope - 2012-07-15 12:07:55
Hi! Yes, do discuss devices vs. your INDIVIDUAL needs with your medical care. On my second ICD. The first in 2004, a Guidant with Guidant leads; the second, a Boston Scientific in 2009 with the '04 leads. Both have been sucessful devices. It is good you want to be involved in your care and are researching. Take care. Hopeful Heart
Something to consider
by ElectricFrank - 2012-07-16 01:07:49
If the current pacemaker settings are working well there is an advantage to using as near the same model as possible. In 2010 had my Medtronics Kappa 701 replaced with the Medtronics Adapta, which is almost exactly the same pacer. I asked that the settings be copied from the old to the new one, which made the changeover very smooth. There was one goof where the programming computer decided it knew better and lowered my upper limit. I found it on the printout and had it corrected.
Bottom line is if you change makes the settings may not have the same meaning leaving you to working at finding them again. Of course if you haven't been happy with the current pacer and the doc recommends a different one for it's options then talk it over.
frank
Uncleharry
by Uncleharry - 2012-07-26 10:07:29
Go to the manufacturers' web sites, then enter the device type. Look at their specifications and two of the three mentioned will give significant design information. Medtronic like to keep secrets, so query their engineering people, not their CS reps.
Not all are the same but different, the latest from St. Jude is very interesting in the lead design which will control more possible events, and seems to be CATScan resistant, unlike Medtronic. My D224TRK seems to have been blown up, but then EP people haven't looked at it yet. I have not gotten my monitor as of yet due to foot dragging at their practice.
Good luck in your search, btw.
Medtronic Protecta
by Katelyn - 2012-08-03 08:08:22
The next ICD that I want is Medtronic's Protecta. (http://www.medtronic.com/for-healthcare-professionals/products-therapies/cardiac-rhythm/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators-icds/protecta-crt-d-devices/index.htm#tab2). This link is for the CRT-D, 3 lead ICD, version. Click on the 2nd tab "Smartshock Technology," and read about the new algorithms used to reduce shocks... I think this is pretty cutting edge right now.
Finally, Medtronc it's!
by babuc - 2012-09-03 01:09:10
Thank you all for your invaluable inputs
.
Even though there was stiff competition between various CRDT device makers (all saying their devices are compatible with the Medtrornic Concerta 3 lead version) and could offer me extremely attractive prices, I decided to stay with Medtronic.
The prime reason being, I did not have any issues with the one I've had the past 4 years and 4 months except the battery depletion. I thought it would work for at least 6 years. It appears, the pacing was at 92% for the entire duration I had the ICD though not a single incident of shocking. I was told that the present version of Concerta is a lot more advanced and they are working on an extended warranty right now. The implant will take place on 3rd October in India.
In the meantime, my alarm has been going off every day for the past 2 weeks. Not sure if it's because my battery levels have reached the threshold of 2.62. My doc has advised me to increase the dosage of the diuretic tab. I do feel breathless more often and easily get fatigued. Guess these are signs that my ICDs run out of steam.
Do please share your experience with me ( those who have gone through similar situations) and suggestions.
Thanks
babuc
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by TalkinCardio - 2012-07-15 04:07:22
I have a Boston Scientific ICD and have not had any problems, but as Hopeful Heart said, it's important that you get the one that fits your needs.
Cathy