Lead extraction/replacement BEFORE battery dies???

So lucky me I have the awesome (joking) riata lead on my pacemaker/icd. The riata is really really separated and I'm hoping it doesn't cause a shock before I make it to the lead specialist on the 1st...I have to have leads removed because I'm completely full (7 leads total, 3 in use) BUT my pacemaker/icd isn't ready to be replaced as it still has 1.5 years.So my questions is this, Will they replace pacemaker now or just do the wires and go back in again in 1.5/2 years? If they don't replace pacemaker/icd now then that would mean 3 surgeries in 4 years!!! Anyways anyone experienced with this? I'd like to go in at least a little mentally prepared ...

Valerie
Pacemaker #8 (6-27 AND 6-28-2013. )
8 pacemakers -last 3 had icd

3 Comments

My Opininion

by Artist - 2015-08-25 08:08:07

If it were me, I would ask the surgeon to also replace the PM. However, there might be insurance payment issues that would prevent that since the battery life is still good. Common sense would be if the insurance company would agree to also have the PM replaced since it would probably be more cost effective than having an entirely separate surgical procedure a year and a half later.

I hope so

by Val-8 - 2015-08-25 11:08:05

That is what I'm shooting for let's do it all at once but I'm trying to prepare myself if insurance won't allow it...

all at once

by Tracey_E - 2015-08-27 01:08:57

They would usually replace everything as long as they are opening you up and going to all the trouble to extract. Ask, and if that's not what they are doing, push for it. First choice would be to wait out the battery but sounds like that is not an option. Good luck!!

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