Surgery and ….PM/ ICD and patient safety

While in the hospital after my recent surgery, I was told by the Orthopedic Surgeon that they never have a rep come in for programming or restoring the device back to the pre-surgery settings. He said they ALWAYS just use a magnet. I started to explain what happened with the rep and the Surgeon said …”I don’t get involved with that” so….end of conversation.

Yes the magnet will work for their purposes but is it the safest way for us and our devices. So we request a rep be present and hopefully he is an ethical rep who will do his job and not take short cuts with a magnet. Otherwise, he really need not be there, anyone can work a magnet! Most of the reps I have encountered are caring and ethical. I know of one in particular who takes his time with you and explains and answers your questions.

So who should educate the medical profession regarding our safety via our devices during and after surgery? It appears if they are not a Cardiologist, they are not informed about our devices. This was the 2nd surgery I have had in as many hospitals where both Surgeons said they usually just use a magnet.

I was the exception, not the rule. I think this is very alarming. What can be done about this? I would appreciate your comments and thoughts??

Grateful Heart

2 Comments

A Ref Link on PM's & Surgery

by donr - 2013-04-01 11:04:59

This is an interesting subject. I have discussed it several times w/ members about to undergo surgery & have sent them this link in Pvt Msgs. It concerns surgery, anesthesiologists & electrocautery - a potentially dangerous situation for PM/ICD hosts.

www.cardiacengineering.com/pacemakers-wallace.pdf

The author discusses the use good or bad of "...I'll just use a magnet..." & what the hazards of this philosophy are.

Don

Use of Magnets

by Grateful Heart - 2013-04-03 08:04:56

HurtHeart: I realize Doctors have enough to keep up with their own specialties but I think when it comes to “matters of the heart”, this would be important. I thought all Doctors were knowledgeable about our devices too but as time goes on I realize they are not.

My husband was with me the whole time and when the rep insisted on using the magnet I did have to say then let’s call the surgery off. Very frustrating and stressful.

Don: I did read the piece you sent me, thank you again. I don’t know where we would be without you, HurtHeart and others on this site. So it is the Anesthesiologist who has the controls. Thank God she listened to me and made the rep do his job instead of backing him up with his lie. They had to page him numerous times when I was in recovery to restore the settings. They were not happy with him either. Truth and true colors always shine through.

Thank you both for your response.

Grateful Heart

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