Pacemakers Owner's Manual

Just learned about the pacemakers owner's manual.

Question: will it explain how to read a pacemaker interrogation report? Things like "atrial sense amplitude," and "ventricular capture test," and other arcane things? The description of the book on Amazon doesn't say.

Even if I don't understand all the implications, I'd like to know enough about what the report says to ask good questions.

I am learning that cardiologists and their minions will volunteer nothing, but will answer specific questions, if I persist.

10 Comments

PM Tech Manuals

by donr - 2014-04-25 02:04:19

Sheila: Well, I found out where to go to download Tech Manuals.

Unfortunately, it is a convoluted, torturous path to get there..

How about posting your SJM device name & model #; I'll find it & send you a link so you can get a copy.

Donr

PM manual

by bluebowtye - 2014-04-25 02:04:49

Hi,

I did get my manual in the hospital after my implant (2/17/14), and ROBO pop is right, there is not much technical info in there. Mine has nothing about how to read the report. I figured out most of mine from reading on this site and doing a little research on the web. It did however give me a good general understanding about my PM and precautions and such.

Calling tech support would probably be helpful. I have not called so I really don't know much about them.

Good luck to you!
~Sheila

book

by Tracey_E - 2014-04-25 03:04:25

Are you referring to the book I mentioned on another post yesterday? Yes, it should explain all of that. I browsed it when I heard her speak but did not buy a copy and read it through, so I'm not 100% sure. Her username here is pacemakerwriter so you could ask her. She hasn't been on in a while that I've noticed, but if you send her a private message she should get an email notification, assuming her address is the same.

http://www.amazon.com/Pacemaker-Owners-Manual-Pacemakers-People/dp/144868143X/

To ALL who want tech manuals:

by donr - 2014-04-25 03:04:25

The Medtronics can be downloaded FREE. I's a "Can do, easy" task. Only about 350 PDF file pages.

I THINK I can find the SJM free, also. It's one heck of a lot harder to find. Be a lot easier now that I know your SJM Model #

More later tonight .

Donr

donr: Me too, please

by Gotrhythm - 2014-04-25 03:04:29

Donr,

Can you show me how to get the tech manual for a St. Jude?

My pacemaker is

St.Jude Medical model # Accent DR2110
Serial # 7156807

A-Lead model# Tendril STS2088/46cm
Serial # BEPO29435

V-Lead model # Tendril STS 2088/52cm
Serial #BERO45742

Thanks,

--GotRhythm

Thanks donr

by bluebowtye - 2014-04-25 03:04:55

Hi Donr,
Thanks for that info. I do not have a SJM device. Mine is a Medtronic Advisa MRI Dual Chamber Model # A2DR01 so I don't know if that link will have what I need or not but I will try to check it out sometime when I'm not busy at work. I really like learning as much as I can about everything to do with pacemakers!

I want you to know that a lot of the info I got about how to read my report came from some of your detailed, very well written posts! Thank you for that!

~Sheila

Medtronic Manual First.....

by donr - 2014-04-25 09:04:12

1) Go to left side of page & find INFORMATION. Beneath it is "WEB LINKS. Click on it.

2) New window pops up. Find MEDTRONIC & Click on it. Another new window.

3) Along top right, find HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS & click on it for another new window. Click on the country/region you live in. Another new window (Ho Hum)

4) Look on right side near top for ELECTRONIC MANUAL LIBRARY. Click on descriptive type below heading. Another new window.

5) Go to FIND A MANUAL - there are three radio buttons. Dig out your device card Find either the name or model number. Enter it & click on GO. Now you are where you want to be - at the list of all manuals.

6) Each PM/ICD has a PAIR of manuals - an IMPLANT MANUAL & a REFERENCE GUIDE. The Reference guide will give a lot of data on several named PM's. The Implant manual is specific to one particular PM. One of these manuals will have the info you want.

They are NOT short, but they are shorter than "War & Peace." They are longer than any "Dick & Jane " story from first grade, however, & a bit more complicated.

Have fun!

Donr

Next the real challenge - the SJM PM

by donr - 2014-04-25 10:04:12

...Manual.

1) Go to left side of page, find under INFORMATION, WEB LINKSD> Click on it. New Page opens.

2) Find ST JUDE MEDICAL & click on it for a new page.

3) Top Right , find PROFESSIONALS & click on it. A drop down box opens (GASP). Be careful here - I clicked on it once & a Tasmanian Devil appeared that tried to eat me up because I'm not really a pro! Find the line that takes you to another page - for me it's the one that says UNITED STATES.

4) A new page appears labeled on right HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. Right below it is a menu bar - click on RESOURCES. Gives you a drop down window.

5) Look under TECHNICAL - Find PRODUCT MANUALS & click on it. Go down page. On left side is box w/ REFERENCE GUIDES listed. Under CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT, click on IMPLANTABLE DEVICE REFERENCE GUIDES for the new window.

6) Click on the radio Button for PM. Enter the name (Accent ) & Model # (2011) & St Jude Medical. Click on SEARCH

Eventually, you will get there. It's NOT worth your while - none of the info you wanted. It's only a 16 page guide for implanting your device.

Sorry I lead you astray.

Donr

Challenge-SJM? I reckon

by Gotrhythm - 2014-04-26 01:04:02

DONR

I followed your directions even though you warned that there was no payoff. Why? Because hope springs eternal, I guess.

Unfortunately, you were right. The manuals were useless for my purposes.

But oddly enough, rather than being disheartened, I feel challenged. There are lots of PM techs in America, and even though I get no help from the one in my cardiologist's office, somewhere there's one who would be willing to answer my questions.

Thanks, everyone, for your responses.

Don, you forgot...

by Grateful Heart - 2014-04-26 01:04:12

Us BSers. No....not that BS.....the BS that stands for Boston Scientific.

Anyway....for those of you who are BSers and you know who you are. :-)

A long time ago I Googled my model # + tech manual and found it.

Don't know if it works for all BSers but I'm a simple woman. LOL

Grateful Heart

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

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Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.