New ICD old leads

It appears one of the leads, implanted 71/2 years ago, is broken or not working. I've been told that it's a big deal trying to remove leads implanted so long ago. I would REALLY like to avoid my third open-heart surgery. Has anyone here had experienced removal of older leads? Is it possible to bypass the old lead and thread the new one through another vein? Any comments are welcomed. I see my doc tomorrow morning.

4 Comments

New Leads

by donr - 2012-08-12 08:08:13

Bunch of folks who have had leads replaced. They just are not awake yet.

If they have not responded by late Sun PM, I'll give it a shot.

Don

Look for a Pvt Msg...

by donr - 2012-08-12 11:08:16

...on lead extraction. Too long to put here & it's been done several times already.

Don

Those old leads

by Gellia3 - 2012-08-13 07:08:22

Hi,
Many times the old lead can just be capped, sutured into place, and abandoned. Then they just thread a new wire right next to it.

I have one abandoned wire due to loss of capture. If your veins are large enough, they will probably just introduce a new wire and you'll be good to go. That's what I had done. Not all old wires have to be removed and many times it's safer to leave them in situ than try a removal.

I'm sure when your dr talks to you this will be mentioned. If not, bring it up yourself. Wire removal is safer that it used to be but still a risky operation.

GOOD LUCK and let us know what happens.
Best to you,
Gellia

LEAD EXTRACTION

by artrebound - 2012-08-14 06:08:54

due to infection i had the entire deviceand leads removed.
Due to the risks associated with this process I chose Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Dr. Laurence Eppstein. he has done in excess of 3000 without major complication. My experience was great. They know how to plan if you are from out of town.

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