Implant rejection

12/2009- first ICD all well till April 2013 when L lead failed to capture and had to be replaced. Lead replacement created huge hematoma, eventually inflammation and eruption of site lead to ICD removal and IV Vancomycin Infusions till healed. Installed new ICD Aug 30, 2013 on other side of the chest and healing began and looked good till end of 3rd week - then inflammation and eventual rupture at site. More Vanco infusions and antibiotics, refused to heal, finally removed second Pacemaker 12/16/13. After many weeks, when healing wouldn't happen, the open wound revealed large lengths of suture coming through the chest wall. Once removed, the chest finally healed. We opted to try to live without the ICD again unless heart failure symptoms arose unmanageable. Now it's evident we need the ICD support, but are reluctant to go again, since there was NEVER any infection detected in either event. How do we know that the next implant will be tolerated or whether we're just blowing $$$ on something that won't work?

2 Comments

Hard decision

by Marie12 - 2014-05-12 06:05:59

You've had a rough go of things. Unfortunately, I'm not sure anyone can answer your question but you. Are you willing to accept the risks that go along with not having an ICD. You say it's evident you need the ICD support. What has happened to make it evident? I've only had my ICD for ten months with no episodes. I have questioned is it worth it and do I really need it but at the end of the day, at age 53. I can't take any chances, however, many do.

It's such an individual decision. I'm sorry you have been through so much and it must make the decision even more difficult. You get tired and just want everything to go away but is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Were the years between implant and your first problem good ones? Good luck to you.

Proper Care !!

by donb - 2014-05-13 12:05:33

Hi, I want to welcome you to this site also as you really need better care. As more & more members post serious problems with their implant sites which includes me also. After having numerous pacemakers in the past 22 years I also had to find higher quality surgical care when erosion with infection took it's toll.
I finally had to go a top EP Surgeon at our State University Hospital to get both left & right chest sites cleaned up. With getting infection in implant sites more every year as hospital bugs get more resistant, it really takes real special care as I've been the route. I finally learned from my original Cardiac Surgeon that my build, (skinny) and being way too active doing work with my upper body that this contributed with 5 pacemakers eroding along with infection in site & also leads.
As it no longer was practical for an implant on either left or right chest sites for my 6th implant, a new site was in order.
After the 7 week IV Vancomycin treatment last summer
my 6th implant was put in my right side lower abdomen Under muscle where I have at least 1/2" fat under my skin for portection. This was done by our Internationally known Implant Surgeon. No pain, No Physical Limitation and complete comfort. Now is the time for you to do some real research and get proper care. Give me a private message if you have questions. Good Luck DonB

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

Member Quotes

Yesterday was my first day mountain biking after my implant. I wiped out several times and everything is fine. There are sports after pacemakers!