Battery Life

I had a Biotronik Entovis DR-T dual lead pacemaker implanted a little over a week ago. The ventricle lead was put in the coronary sinus to stimulate left ventricle as Dr. (and myself) didn't think it a good idea to put through my recently repaired tricuspid heart valve. I was told there would be somewhat higher impedance with that lead placement but Dr's estimated about an 8 yr battery life.

Disappointed in the followup diagnostic testing today. Could tell something was up when technician was having trouble with ventricle lead capture and my appt took a good hour. Apparently the measurements for the coronary sinus lead aren't as good as when it was first placed and the report indicated an expected replacement interval of only 2 years 10 months..........totally unacceptable for the cost. I believe they turned up voltage to improve capture and the tech did say not to worry about the reported replacement interval; the number should change for the better at the next checkup in 3 months. Also, I believe he implied voltage setting could probably be reduced at that time.

Anybody experience early battery drain that improved with time and/or followup adjustments? If 3 yrs ends up being the replacement interval, I'll tell um to take it out and start over again!!!!!!!!

1 Comments

replacement

by Tracey_E - 2015-04-20 09:04:30

They crank it up the first few weeks until the leads settle in and the heart gets used to being paced. When they adjust it next time, the tech is correct, the number will go up because they'll be able to turn the power down. The number is calculated at the settings when they run the report, so change the settings and the number changes.

Also know that those numbers aren't that accurate until the last year. Sometimes it goes as predicted, but I've gone for as long as 2 years with the estimated time not changing. It's just a guess for now, it gets more accurate as it gets closer to the end.

Changes are super easy. I'm on my 4th, #5 will probably be next year. I had one last only 2 years after a lead went bad, my longest is 7 years which is still pretty short. It's nice if they last longer, but it's no big deal if they don't. I was all worried about the first one, wanted it to last forever and dreaded the next surgery. When they replace it, they go in the same place and use the same pocket. It's all scar tissue so the pain is nothing like the first time, and (assuming the leads are good) they leave them alone so there are none of the restrictions like the first time. The incision has to heal, that's it. I get an early appointment on Fri, am home fixing my own lunch and back at work Mon. I know this may be hard to believe now, but it's really a very minor inconvenience.

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