Is there a icd junkyard?

Early March of 2012, I had a Boston Scientific pace/defib implanted. The wound never healed due to a hematoma developing and later that March, I had it removed. A Medtronic device was implanted. A different doctor did this second implant which was successful, but I wonder:
1. What happened to the first device?
2. Did it belong to me?
3. Why the switch to a different brand?
I am not in contact with the original surgeons. Any Ideas???

3 Comments

hmmm

by hannah1990 - 2012-12-05 07:12:28

ive always wonderd that too, so i asked my pm checkers on my last visit and they said they just basically get thrown away, but it takes a while she even opened a draw which was full of old pacemakers. i also asked if it wold be possible for me to keep my old pm (i want to put it in a glass/ plastic case so i an have it as an ornamant bit like iron man, in my case lady lol ) xx

Different brands

by Selwyn - 2012-12-05 08:12:09

I expect there are choices based on minor differences between products, cost, doctor familiarity and training, back up equipment in the lab.etc.

There are soap powders that we all prefer to use for a variety of reasons.

I am sure Boston Scientific and Medtronic web sites will tell you of their product virtues. The exact model is on your pacemaker card that is issued to you.

I am not aware of any second hand market for partially used pacemakers! Should you have acquired a pacemaker device as a trophy, and decide to dispose of it in an incinerator there will be an explosion ( hence their removal prior to cremation). Best to let the medical department dispose of them safely.

Keeping old pacemakers.

by ElectricFrank - 2012-12-09 11:12:55

I asked for my removed Medtronics pacemaker during the replacement surgery. The cardio gave it to a nurse who sterilized it, and handed it to me as I was rolled out of the OR. Another advantage of being wide awake during the procedure.

By the way, I wonder how they handle requests for a removed ICD. That little bugger is capable of giving a large shock if it thinks your heart is in trouble. After removal it will think you are in complete arrest.

Maybe it starts playing something like: "Nearer My God to Thee" and then Tasers you.

bad bad,

frank

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