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Replacement of ICD
Hi everyone,
I had several useful and interesting suggestions from many on this forum ever since I mentioned about the battery depletion of my present Medtronic ICD.
I live in Dubai and the earlier ICD was implanted in India 4 years and 5 months ago. During this time, there was no incidents of shocks but it appears the pacing was at 98% almost all the time.
Now the battery has hit 2.62 which is the threshold for replacement. I am told that the 3 leads are in good condition. I'm really disappointed as I was told at that time that the combo device i have should last up to 8 years. But then, it depends on 'wear and tear' I'm told.
I was wondering what would happen if I do not replace the device at all as I do not have insurance. But my family won't have any of it. So, the date is fixed as 3rd October. Same device (latest version), same doctor, same hospital. Thought of going in for Boston Scientific which comes with extended warranties. But my cardio isn't comfortable, just in case the leads do not match. The BS rep says, there should not be any issues with that. But, I don't feel like messing around with the doc.
Questions to those who have gone through similar experience:
1. Local anesthesia or regular? 2. What is the normal hospitalization time? 3. How soon can a travel after the surgery? 4. How soon can I drive after the surgery? 5. Can I ask for extended warranty for the ICD?
I want to be prepared and would be grateful for your valuable inputs. Thanks.
babuc
7 Comments
replacement
by Brenda Price - 2012-09-10 12:09:12
Had replacement about six weeks ago. I was home that afternoon and back to normal activity in about ten days.
I was allowed to drive in one week.You should be able to travel within a week if everything goes well. My ep just told me to listen to my body
I don't think I would want to know what would happen if you elect no replacement.
You will have light general anesthesia so the icd can be tested
Good luck
Compatibility
by PacerRep - 2012-09-11 02:09:38
Since 1998 all pacing and defibrillator leads must adhere to the International Standard. All leads are now IS-1 and DF-1 (or 4 in some cases). all leads are interchangeable with all devices.
The Boston Scientific has a 7 year warranty, 4 year full replacement then 3 year pro-rated. I believe the Sorin device comes with an 8 year (5 and 3). I'm not sure if STJ is over in dubai. Medtronic is as you mentioned they also have a decent warranty.
Not replacing the device is a bad idea, its like taking the airbag out of your car, you won't notice a difference until the day you need it.
Thank you
by babuc - 2012-09-11 03:09:02
Thank you all for your input. Feel a lot better alrady!
Keep well all of you.
babuc
So how much to replace
by mrag - 2012-09-11 07:09:17
The battery life you got seems quite reasonable. Not great, but not bad either. If you do nothing, it's possible you may go into a quiet but fatal arrhythmia some evening and pass on in a few moments. Perhaps not the best of outcomes, but better than some others.
So you are going back to India for a replacement? How much do these things cost over there? If it is a straight replacement, no new leads, in in morning out in afternoon. Possible overnight if they puncture something or otherwise screw up. Travel should not be issue. Have you priced Thailand? They are usually quite competitive cost wise and that's a place you can really have some fun. Good luck.
how much
by babuc - 2012-09-12 10:09:18
Medtronic Concerto cost about US$ 11,300 after hard bargaining. It's more expensive in Dubai. Quality of medicare is pretty good in India if you go to the right hospital.
Thailand is interesting. Seriously, at times like 'fun' is the last thing on my mind though! Lol!
Thanks.
babuc
how much
by grumpy1469 - 2012-09-12 10:09:18
my bill came to 180,000.. and now i am trying to figure out why?
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replacement
by Tracey_E - 2012-09-10 03:09:30
Replacement is super easy! They go in the same place as the first time, usually, so it's all scar tissue. Most of the healing the first time was the leads, not the box itself, so none of the restrictions we had the first time other than keeping the incision clean until it heals. I've traveled as little as 3 days after a replacement.
I don't know about warranties but if you are pacing 98% of the time and it's an icd, 4 yrs sounds about right to me. Pacemakers, without the icd, last on average 7-10 years but I've never had one last more than 6-7 (on my 4th now). I also pace all the time. Icd's rarely last more than 5 yrs.
If you are pacing 98% of the time, not replacing it is not an option.