Endless battery?

I went for my first check up today after having my first PM implanted 8/5/13. Cardiologist said everything looks great. He mentioned that by the time I would need a replacement, technology will have advanced and the battery would last for the rest of my life. I didn't really ask him for any sources but he just sounded so confident. I tried to do a little "googling" but wasn't able to find anything on this technology he's talking about. Anyone heard of this before?

5 Comments

Yes

by dad4dds - 2013-08-15 03:08:25

I read an article that said that since your battery is part of your pacer everytime your battery is changed you get the most updated pacer as well. If battery lasts forever you could end up
with an out dated pacer. I would rather have the updated ICD/pacer than not have to change battery. Just my opinion.

Brian

yes

by Ajfcabin - 2013-08-15 03:08:35

I have also heard this...im sure it will be a while but they are working on ones that do not need to be replaced. They also already have ones that dont have leads and are doing the first trials already with those. My cardiologist is very excited..he says they are working with dead viruses and injecting mice to fix genetic issues as we speak. Technology is super advancing and I wouldnt' be surprised if within 10 years they have endless batteries and no leads....

yes

by Ajfcabin - 2013-08-15 03:08:53

I have also heard this...im sure it will be a while but they are working on ones that do not need to be replaced. They also already have ones that dont have leads and are doing the first trials already with those. My cardiologist is very excited..he says they are working with dead viruses and injecting mice to fix genetic issues as we speak. Technology is super advancing and I wouldnt' be surprised if within 10 years they have endless batteries and no leads....

website

by Ajfcabin - 2013-08-15 04:08:57

http://www.medgadget.com/2012/05/cameron-healths-leadless-implatable-cardiac-defibrillator-looking-to-get-fda-approval.html

leadless..but has some problems (used in Europe regularly)

http://www.whcenter.org/body.cfm?id=559769

of course this is all new and it depends on the condition but I think technology will advance and most likely you will get that battery (but you will probably need a whole change out and maybe remove the leads or leave them in)

I wish

by Tracey_E - 2013-08-15 10:08:51

I think that's overly optimistic. They are working on batteries that recharge from our motion but don't think they're anywhere close to ready to test market yet. They are also working on a tiny one that goes in the heart so it doesn't have leads. They are testing that on some people now but those of us with leads don't qualify for these at this time.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/HRS/39073
Imo, that is more exciting that a battery that recharges itself. Battery changes are easy, lead changes are more complicated.

And yes, they replace the whole thing, not just the battery. Only the leads stay, assuming they work well. I still have one original lead from 1994, one was replaced with my last battery.

Brian, as long as what we have works for us and we feel good, there would be no reason to upgrade. I'm on my 4th. I've had the newest each time but have never felt any different. Rate response (which I do not use) would be the exception to that, they are making some wonderful strides in rr technology.

You know you're wired when...

You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

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