Lead Replacement

Ok, I have had my ICD since 4/06 and had a rough start the miss readings and being shocked when it wasn't needed but I just got informed that my battery will be dead within the year and have the lead wire that has been recalled and need to have it removed. My dr said this is very life threatening and has really scared me, I am no stranger to surgeries as I have had 3 open heart and several other minor ones but the fact that my dr seems to not be very confident is bothering me the most. Has anyone else had their leads replaced and had multiple surgeries to the heart as well. (dr says I have alot of scar tissue)
Thanks
Angie

4 Comments

Lead replacement

by PreciousDays - 2010-03-01 08:03:57

I too have a lot of scar tissue, though not the open heart surgeries. I did have to have the recalled lead replaced after unnecessary shocking caused by lead failure. Then, I had to have the replacement lead relocated.... I was told they try to just cap off the bad lead and leave it in place if possible, as removal is tricky and can be dangerous. Of course eventually you wind up with lots of wires in those little tiny veins and run out of options... . If they are going to actually remove the bad lead make sure you have an EP with LOTS of experience doing it. Good luck. PD

4 Leads removed

by Pacing13 - 2010-03-02 02:03:23

I have had to have a new lead or leads every pacer implant for one reason or another. June of 08 when my new pacer went in 4 old leads were removed. Everything was done through my upper left shoulder area where my pacers always have been implanted. Some of my leads were the old screw in type leads that had to be carefully and steadily removed. It took a total of 5 hours to removed the leads and put two new ones and a pacer in however everything went well. I stayed over night in the hosp and was home the next day. My Dr had never done lead extractions before so I was sent to one that had performed this many times. I sat with him a couple times before surgery and questioned him and his staff about the procedure.
Again, mine was all done through my pacemaker site so nothing down the center of my chest.

Good Luck, I know how scary the feeling can be!

Lead Replacement

by MRSNO1MAX - 2010-03-02 05:03:58

Hi Angie'
I had to have the bad leads removed also.One pierced my heart. I also had open heart surgery and three pacer surgery. I was very scared but I did ok.I had a very good doctor and that is all he does is wires..My prayers are with you.
Nancy










To Angie

by boatdriver - 2010-03-06 01:03:23

Ive had three or 4 pacer surgeries or more, and three open heart surgeries. Im not afraid of the surgeries, because they can save your life. I am one of those people that should have been dead a long time ago several times. Im very greatful we live in the time we do. I have the recalled wire to I dont have a place left to put another wire in my body is a bone yard of old wires from old pacers. I do worry about my pacer just shutting off. my last one did and i flatlined in the ER. then another time after my first surgery my heart wouldnt start after they operated on me the pump saved my life. Good Luck youll most likely be just fine.

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

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