Is Lead Extraction Needed for me?

Hi I'm 29 Years old male from India, have 1.8 year old first ICD. I undergone RFA (Ablation), and thereafter as per my health condition i don't need to carry ICD, it can be explainable. In India Doctor are not experienced in lead extraction and i can't travel other country due to financial reasons.

Currently my doctor suggested me that we can only remove ICD and keep the leads as it is as there is no harm.

Is this correct approach to keep the leads for my rest of life, if so what are the precautions do i need to follow?

Please suggest.

2 Comments

Extraction

by Tracey_E - 2015-01-16 08:01:29

It is more common to remove the box only but leave the leads than to extract the leads, especially if no specialized surgeon is available. They can be capped off and left there indefinitely. Extraction is a more specialized surgery, requiring an expert in the field and it has some risk. I would not do it unless it was necessary. There are no additional precautions to follow.

Also, I would not be in a hurry to remove the ICD. You hvae not had it very long. When was the ablation? Theoretically ablations are permanent but sometimes the heart can go back to the way it was. Odds are you won't need it, but if I were in your place I would keep it longer to make sure there is no need for it later.

Hi Ash..............

by Tattoo Man - 2015-01-18 03:01:49



...................I am with Tracey here.....

I also faced a choice of Total Removal,..because I am low dependency.....BUT...

My Surgeon acknowledged that,..even if I had a tiny dependency,...this would be significant , should I pass out while driving..( and this has happened to me )..

So....

My question would be.." Why remove anything ??"

My good friend Inga, ..here on PM Club, is very keen on getting good information,...and she is absolutely right...ask questions..and ask them until you feel informed and confident to make YOUR own decision..

Keep us here in the loop,..should you wish,,..PMC will support you ..

Tattoo Man UK


You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

Member Quotes

It's much better to live with a pacemaker than to risk your life without one.