Pacemaker replacement

I have a Biotronic dual chamber pacemaker which will need a replacement later this year. I am 95-100% paced. If a temporary pacer, inserted through femoral artery is needed, will an overnight stay ne required?

3 Comments

replacements

by Tracey_E - 2014-01-15 12:01:02

I've heard of a few people who had temporary pm's placed through the femoral artery but most of us do not. I'm 100% paced and have had 4 replacements. They've used external pm's with the big pads each time. It's only a matter of seconds between when they disconnect the old one and connect the new one. They have everything all set up and ready to go before they disconnect.

The only time I stayed overnight for a replacement was when I had a lead replaced. The other times I got an early appointment and was home fixing my own lunch.

With Tracey

by Gellia3 - 2014-01-15 12:01:34

I'm with Tracey. You don't have to worry.

I just had my 8th replacement and I'm also 100% paced. They used an external PM with big pads placed on my back and side.
The replacing of the PM itself only takes a few seconds. As Tracey said, everything is ready before any wires are disconnected. One wire is disconnected and then immediately the new PM is connected to it. Then the second wire is done (assuming you have a dual chamber). Length of time is very short.

I was also home by lunch.

Go with NO FEAR! :)
Best to you,
Gellia

Question came up before

by Theknotguy - 2014-01-15 12:01:56

I'm thinking they'll opt for an outside, temporary PM before they go for up through the groin. I was talking to one of the nurses for PM replacement. She said first priority is to keep the heart beating. Everything else is secondary.

Obviously you don't want to be without a heart beat while the doctor goes out an takes a call from his stock broker. Not to mention it's bad for his insurance rates if you die and it's not good PR for the hospital.

She indicated they'd do testing, see if your heart can go long enough for the replacement. If not, go for a temporary PM that's outside the body. Have it working while the doctor does his thing. Third option would be to go for a temporary, internal PM. The more trauma you have the longer the recovery.

As for going though the groin, it depends. They held me all day to make sure I wouldn't have bleeding through the femoral artery. Bleeding through the femoral artery can be quickly fatal. So after about 6 hours they sent me home.

Remember, they always want to keep the heart beating. Hope it goes well for you.

Theknotguy

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