problem with new setting

Dual lead Medtronics pacemaker implanted 3/6/14 for Bradycardia
following 5-box mini-maze surgery for A-Fib (1/28/14). Low setting was 60 and high 150. Had my first interrogation day before yesterday. Everything was perfect - no a-fib, no flutter, no junctional rhythm. EP said the pacing is totally from the atrium at about 40% of the time. He decided to drop the lower number to 50. Since then I am having skipped beats. Wondering if there might be an adjustment period or is this something that should be brought to the Dr's attention immediately. I would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have.

4 Comments

What Mode?

by PeteFindlay - 2014-06-25 05:06:30

The Medtronic Managed Ventricular Pacing mode, if that's what's being used, will allow the odd drop, but will intervene if it persists. The aim being to encourage the heart to do as much as possible for itself, rather than pacing all the time.

It was a shock to me when I noticed I was dropping beats as I was trying (unsuccessfully) to get to sleep, as I thought that's what the PM was supposed to stop! Had a bit of a panic moment until I had it explained (and Googled a bit myself!). The following is a pretty good summary, with an example what it means practically.

http://www.medtronicfeatures.com/browse-features/all/CDF_DF_M-VENTRICULAR-PACING

I would call your clinic / EP and check - it could be working as intended. But best being sure!

Pete

What Mode

by jowings - 2014-06-25 06:06:40

Pete-Thanks for your response. I don't know what you mean by "what mode". Not very educated in all this yet.
Jim

Modes and Settings

by PeteFindlay - 2014-06-26 02:06:19

I'm very new to it all myself, 7 weeks in and still learning.

There's a whole range of different modes and settings available, the idea being to pick the one most suited to your condition and circumstances. Some may have specific characteristics in the way they work and feel to you.

The two important things for me have been: Is it doing what it's supposed to? and then Is it comfortable for me, and if not, can the EP adjust it to feel better?

Worth a phone call, I'd say, if only to put your mind at rest.

Pete

First I'd suggest

by KAG - 2014-06-27 11:06:50

getting a copy of your PM interrogation report. It has all your PM settings and modes on it. That's the place to start learning about what it's doing for you and can help you ask questions on this site.

That way if you need optimizing people here can help give you suggestions of what to talk to your PM techs/drs about.

Remember that when they tell you "everything is working fine" they're saying your device is doing exactly what it's programmed to do. Whether that programming is right for you is another question.

Kathy

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