Questioning the use of a second pacemaker

Hi everyone
After having a PM for some 17 years, it was decided to change the device, (not because it needed it because of the battery) but because the hospital did not like a pm in situ for that long.
The old one had just 1 lead, this new one has two leads.
They did not take the old lead out because they said it was too dangerous, infection might set it, burst arteries etc.
What happens if i need another pm, i already have 3 wires in situ now and i should imagine not much space in there for more wires, (hope some one can understand what I am talking about).
Please can someone tell me if this has appied to them and what has been the outcome.
Please write back to me

5 Comments

Leads leads leads

by Lotti - 2007-11-11 03:11:43

Hi there!
I am only on my first PM, dual lead. So have not had anything replaced yet but I am young and was told that they usually do not take the old leads out as they are now stuck in your system. When mine was put in they had a considerable choice of routes to put the leads in and needed them too, so I guess that all they do is go a different route with each set of leads. They also said
that they can often reuse the leads and just attach a new box to them. I am only 39 so will probably need at least four batteries.....I will look like Spaghetti Junction on an x ray! Anyway I hope this answers some of your queries as to how we do it in England and I'm sure others with more local knowledge will be along shortly

Lotti

ps. Fantastic hope for the rest of us if you had a battery last 17 years!

Hello Lotti

by SusanBrookhouse - 2007-11-11 04:11:19

Thank you for your prompt email. Yes it was good for 17 years I must admit to have 1 pacemaker. They could not attach a new box to my old wire in case the wire had gone a little (rusty) they said. (all the more reason to fetching it out I should of thought) Anyway I also live in England and in the West Midlands and attend our brand new Heart and Lung Centre at my local Hospital. I would not be alive today without my PM that is a sure fact, they say a dog is a man's friend but to me, my pacemaker is my true friend.

old leads

by luckyloo - 2007-11-11 06:11:09

dear susan,
they can remove your leads with lasers. you need to go to a dr. who has performed this laser removal many times. experience i key. the procedure does come with risks.

they usually use the same route for more leads unless the veins start to get too narrow from crowding. i have an old lead in also that i was told will have to come out some day. i was told it should come out the next time i have a lead issue.

luckyloo

extra leads

by patpeter - 2007-11-11 07:11:29

Hi Susan, I also have 3 leads, 2 are in use and one is bad, I was told that when I get my next pm that if I need more leads some will have to come out. As luckyloo said they can remove them with laser surgery. So hopefully you won't have to have any one removed .
That's great 17 yrs with one battery! Good luck .
Pat

Hello

by SusanBrookhouse - 2007-11-11 08:11:00

Thank you for your reply to quickly.
I live in the U.K. and i am not sure if we use laser treatment for this procedure as we are always the last country to bring procedures up to date.
I will certainly make enquiries at my next pacing checkup.
Thank you
Regards
Sue Brookhouse (suky)

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