New battery

Hi I'm going in to get a new battery in January but they have told me I need my old leads out as they are 37 years old and one has crumbled and is not working. I have had a duel chamber pm since the early 80's just wondering if any one has had leads out after such a long time being in? I had my first pm implanted when I was 18 and 5 months pregnant with my first son in 1974 hope I hear from some of you thanks listening

3 Comments

Hi

by Gellia3 - 2012-12-26 09:12:43

I can't really tell you what to expect because I am also in the same boat with you.

I got my dual chamber pacer in 1982 after my 1975 PM lead scarred over and stopped working. I still use the same 1982 leads. My EP has said they wouldn't touch them with a "10 ft pole" and as long as they worked everything was fine. I haven't had a crumbling problem as yet, that I know of.

Have you considered having the pacer and new wires placed on the other side? I believe this would be my option as that wire from 1975 dropped and is in a large loop in the ventricle and is entangled in the other wires.

As for removing them. If I was given that as an only option I would seek out Bruce Wilcoff of the Cleveland Clinic. He and Charlie Byrd (who I think has since retired) are and were the foremost authorities on the Excimer laser sheath for laser removal.

GOOD LUCK to you. Please let us know how you do as I am especially interested to hear how we PM oldsters are doing.

My very best to you,
Gellia

Hi Sheran !!

by donb - 2012-12-26 10:12:52

As Gelia is a long time member she's covered your question well. I was questioning lead removal a few years ago also but my surgeon elected to locate my replacement PM on my right side with another pair of new leads leaving my old leads in place. As I also had 1 lead bad on my left side it was determined less risk as this also was going to be my 4th PM.
I just had my 5th PM implanted on my right side a few weeks ago. I have an issue with massive scar tissue developing around my 3rd & 4th PM causing real site problems. This also was a factor in choosing move to right chest. My 4th PM on my right side was under muscle & it was forced out of it's pocket causing much pain & swelling. as was also the case with my previous 3rd PM.
Feel free to message me if you have questions.
DonB

Charlie Byrd

by Tracey_E - 2012-12-26 12:12:48

He retired a couple of years ago. I was bummed. He's local to me (more or less! an hour away) and I wanted him to do my removal. I ended up leaving in what I have for now, so never had the extraction. I was told that his partners are just as good as him and the practice is still where my dr refers his extractions. He was out of Broward General in Ft Lauderdale, not sure of the name of the practice.

Make sure you have someone highly specialized in the field, at a bare minimum someone who does at least 100 extractions per year. There are so few people with leads as old as yours, I would consider traveling to get one of the top docs, someone who has experience with the old leads.

Good luck to you!!!! Please let us know how it goes.

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