Least Invasive defibrillator surgery wanted

Hello All,

I suffer from cardiomyopathy and went into congestive heart failure during the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy. I then underwent a surgery to repair leaks in two of my heart valves just a few months ago. Needless to say, I have been through a lot during the last year! Due to my decreased ejection fraction of 28%, my doctors are recommending that I have a defibrillator implanted as soon as possible. Because I am only 34, I want to minimize the scarring and visibility of the device. I am looking for any recommendations, advice, or support. Thanks!!!

4 Comments

S-ICD?

by golden_snitch - 2012-11-21 03:11:56

Hi!

If you need the defibrillator for shocking only - sounds a bit like your doctors just want you protected from sudden cardiac arrest -, not for pacing or anti-tachycardia-pacing, then maybe the S-ICD is an option for you. Does not require leads inside the heart, and as far as I know the placement is a lot easier than a normal ICD. Also, the device is implanted on your left side (left of the rib cage, under the arm). There is a good info about it at:
http://www.cameronhealth.com/understand-your-options/s-icd-therapy/

Best wishes
Inga

BIG

by fishfighter - 2012-11-21 04:11:01

I have a pm/defib and it is very big. I'm very slim and mine sits just under the skin towards my left shoulder.

Choosing a defib

by ElectricFrank - 2012-11-22 01:11:20

Cosmetics is the least of your concerns. Get the device that will give you the best chance of living a good life. The reason defibs tend to be large is that it takes power to generate the shock. That makes the device a bit larger than our simple pacers. The only way to reduce the size is with a smaller battery.

frank

Subpectoral or under the breast

by turboz24 - 2012-11-22 12:11:09

You are going to want a sub-pectoral (under the chest muscle) or placement under the breast. I know that Tracy has her PM located under the breast.

I know that there are 2 approaches to the sub-pectoral location. Either an incision under the armpit (my doc does it this way) or an incision in the deltoid-pectoral groove (groove between your shoulder and chest).

You would not want the S-ICD, as this device is large (pack of cards or slightly larger) and is placed on the side of your chest just under the skin. It's exremely obvious.

I'm getting mine moved with the replacement here after April/May. I don't care about the scar itself, just hate the 2.5" kidney bean shaped bulge protruding from my chest.

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