Not sure of English name of my device

Hi, Wondering what is the abbreviation or name of the device I have. It's a St Jude. Here in France it's called a "stimulateur cardiaque". It has 3 wires going to my heart.

Is it an ICD or a Pacemaker? Or are they the same thing? I do not have bradycardia. But rather paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation - heart speeds up erratically. Not sure if what I have is a defibrillator or a pacemaker. Thanks for taking time to clarify for me.

5 Comments

Not the same

by Grateful Heart - 2015-12-31 05:12:15


Although the terms are often used interchangeably.

A Pacemaker can have 1 or 2 leads (wires) and paces the heart.

An ICD is a defibrillator but may or may not pace your heart, depending on why you need it and how it is programmed.

You have 3 leads so you have a CRT...cardiac resynchronization therapy . The 3rd lead paces the left ventricle so that both ventricles beat in sync, improving the pumping function of the heart.

From the model number you entered on your profile, you have a CRT-P. The P means pacing only, not a defibrillator. Here is a link for that model number.

http://professional.sjm.com/resources/cardiac-rhythm-management/cardiac-resynchronization-therapy-crt-devices/crt-pacemaker/allure-quadra-rf-cardiac-resynchronization-therapy-pacemaker

There is also a CRT-D. The D signifies a defibrillator. (That's what I have, although mine is a Boston Scientific/ Guidant device).

Grateful Heart

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2015-12-31 05:12:21

You should have received a card and paperwork or booklet post op. It would give you lots of information and identify your device.
If you have no information, get in touch with your doctor because you do need to know.

Sounds, although a guess, like a pacemaker. Could be an ICD if you are having sustained VTach.

Best of luck, it's keeping you safe!

CRT-P

by BillH - 2015-12-31 05:12:29

Using the online translators "stimulateur cardiaque" could be a ICD or pacemaker. BTW, most, if not all, ICD's also include pacemaker functions.

But looking at your profile you gave the model number, PM3242.

That is a CRT-P. That is a pacemaker that has an additional lead so that both each ventricle are paced to make sure that they are synchronized.

CRT-D

by Carolynnm - 2016-01-02 07:01:13

Mine is three leads. It is an ICD which is called a CRT-D which stands for cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillerator. If you have atrial fibrillation you would have need of the defibrillator.

CRT-D

by Carolynnm - 2016-01-02 07:01:17

Mine is three leads. It is an ICD which is called a CRT-D which stands for cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillerator. If you have atrial fibrillation you would have need of the defibrillator.

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