Hernia Surgery???

Good morning,

Anyone with an ICD/CRT-D have experience with hernia surgeries?

I've been stalling for quite awhile because of my CRT-D; my EP doesn't see a problem…other than the CRT-D will be turned off during surgery…with paddles on standby…and of course turned on by a Boston Scientific technician who would be present.

Thanks!

Ron

2 Comments

Sounds like your EP is with it!.....

by donr - 2014-04-20 02:04:50

.....as is the BS Rep, if he is there & willingly does what he is supposed to do.

Search for Surgery & Electrocautery for several threads on the subject.

You have a CRT - which means you use the device for pacing & pacing BOTH Ventricles, at that.

Here's the scoop (Scuttlebutt for Coasties): you need to have a long talk w/ the surgeon. He/she is more than likely going to use electrocautery to cut down on bleeding. They call the device a "Bovie." They have to put a ground plate (or ground plane on your body somewhere to collect the return current from the device that uses radio-frequency current to cauterize as it cuts. You need to ensure that everyone you come in contact with knows you have a CRT-D. The OR crew needs to know so that when they prep you & you are unconscious, they will put this ground plane - which is a fancy, conductive plaster they stick on you - on some spot on your body south of your guts so that no current flows toward your PM/ICD. If the BS Rep is there, he will be an insurance policy on this issue, but you want to tell EVERYONE you come in contact with that you have the device. I mean tell them like you are obsessed! Till they roll their eyeballs!

Especially the anesthesiologist! After all, you will be in La-La-Land while he/she works to keep you alive.

If you have any other questions about this issue from a patient's viewpoint, ask. Last May I went through a major abdominal surgery, so I can say BTDT.

Donr

Holy Cow!

by Ronniecolorado - 2014-04-21 10:04:56

WOW...Thanks Donr for sharing your story!!! I had no idea. I'll be speaking with a surgeon this week and will mention what you've shared.

Thanks again!

Ron

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