broken lead

Just got pacer changed from bipolar to un ipolar and back to bipolar. Too much chest discomfort on unipolar. After putting back to bipolar paramaters were changed and now I feel GREAT. Found out pacing is arterial with broken lead in ventrical. Now I'm wondering if I need pM at all (only had one for 19 years now with second device having 1 1/2 years to replacement. Anhyone ever improved to point the PM was not needed anymore? Mine was placed because of 2nd degree heat block and a pulse rate of 22bpm.

1 Comments

Rarely

by ElectricFrank - 2012-01-15 12:01:35

Glad they put you back on bipolar. The unipolar uses the body as a return path for the pacing current and results in any muscles in the path being stimulated.

By the way if you really don't need the pacer it wouldn't be pacing. If it isn't pacing there would be no problem with the unipolar because the leads wouldn't be used. With a HR as low as 22bpm when the block is active you are much better off having the pacer for backup. In fact it would be a good idea to have the bad lead replaced.

frank

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.