Micra Transcatheter Pacemaker

I am in a study with the new Micra pacemaker. Installed two weeks ago. I have a Wenckebach - Arrhythmia. The pacemaker was originally set at a heart rate of 50. I had problem so it was reduced to a rate of 40. I still had some issues but it was raised to a rated of 60. I have dizzy spells, pacing problems and some shocks. Am I in any danger of my heart being over worked? How long did it take for the Medtronic team and doctor to get your pacemaker working properly? My understanding is that there are only 200 of these devices being tested world wide. Does anyone else have one?

6 Comments

Micra or Not >?

by Runningmama - 2014-11-03 08:11:07

My EP is thinking about whether or not to give me the Micra this coming Monday. I have not gotten alot of feedback or found alot of info on the Micra myself because I guess the people like us are setting the standard so to speak....my EP too wants to set my micra at 50. I have Stage 2 av block, type 2. The 50 worries me since I am very athletic and young...What caused you to have issues being paced at 50 if you don't mind my asking? and how long did your problems start after you got the micra installed? we are 4 hours away from Emory so it does scare me.

I wish I had more to offer except questions.....please keep me posted as to how you do with it and I'll do the same?

thanks!

Micra Pacemaker complications

by keverett - 2014-11-04 05:11:22

My symptoms were occasional labored breathing and dizzy spells, a heart rate that would get as low as 30 at times. this seemed to occur when I was resting. I am very active and with no problems when I was exercising. Initially my rate was set at 50 but at all levels (50, 40 , 60) I have occasionally experienced labor breathing and dizzy spells. All test performed by Medtronics show that the pacemaker is working fine. Had office visit today and All decided to give it a while at 60 and see if my experience improves. BTW - I was awake during the entire surgery. Very little pain. fast recovery an overnight stay at hospital and no prescription medication when I left the hospital. Amazing!

Thanks !

by Runningmama - 2014-11-04 09:11:24

Thanks Keverett! Makes me feel better about the surgery and please keep me posted on how you are doing! I hope they this resolved for you asap! Waiting is hard and frustrating :)

I decided to go the more traditional route today and go with the tried and true PM. I have alot of anxiety anyway and just could not get the part about the micra staying in my heart forever out of my head...I hope when my batteries need replaced the micra will be mainstream. :)

Thanks!

Can take many visits to get it right

by SaraTB - 2014-11-04 10:11:48

I don't know anything about the Micra, but as a patient with 3rd degree heartblock, who also had problems with Wenckebach, I can tell you it took several months and many tweaks at each visit, to get the PM set up to my needs (the initial implant was at age 42).
It took years before the Wenckebach issues were properly identified, by which time I was on my second PM.

Two weeks is still very early: it can be frustrating, but you need to be patient, and also pro-active with telling your medical team it's not right yet.

Are you referring to the low rate setting, when you say "it was set at 50"? This simply means that if your rate drops below 50, the PM will ensure it goes back up. It's not that you are being constantly paced at only 50. (unless the Micra has an entirely different type of setting) My original low rate setting was 60, and was lowered to 50, but my heartrate generally runs fast, naturally, at around 70, so I don't think you have to worry about your heart being overworked, as you put it. The key is to get the settings to the point where you're comfortable, so do persevere.

Heartstopped

by Heartstopped - 2014-11-15 09:11:12

I am new to the site. I am scheduled for a Mirca pm in 5 days. Anyone have knowledge of the Mirca pacemaker? My problem is low heart rate and pause at night for up to 9 seconds. Thanks

Heartstopped Reply

by keverett - 2014-11-16 07:11:10

Yes! I had similar problem. See my comments

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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