Lead extractions and replacement

Hey to all, have not posted in awhile so glad to be back. I am having lead extraction surgery 8/27/09. I presently have 3 leads, 1 has been capped off since a generator change in 2006, and now another one is cracked and I have 1 lead that is working. The surgeon estimated 3 hours for the surgery and if no complications you're d/c'd the next day. I was wondering if anyone has had this done and what to expect. I usually get a pneumothorax whenever leads are put in so I'm expecting to get one this time. The RN said this procedure is totally different than just putting in a PM, much more invasive, so I'm starting to get nervous already! If anyone has been through this or knows about it any information would be much appreciated.

5 Comments

Lead extraction

by maryanne - 2009-08-12 10:08:22

Hello ......

The RN would be correct that it is a very invasive procedure and one not to be taken lightly.

I have had this procedure done and have documented it here on the PM site. If you look up in the search engine on this site and type in Lead extraction you will find much discussion on this topic.

I have sent you a private message explaining my experience.

I wish you great success with this procedure....

Cheers.....Mary Anne

Lead extractions and replacement

by patpeter - 2009-08-13 02:08:29

thanks for the feedback and support much appreciated.
pat
I'm sure I will have more questions so I'll post again.
pat

good luck

by Tracey_E - 2009-08-13 06:08:11

As Mary Ann said, this is considerably more serious than putting in a pm. A number of members here have been through it and have posted about it. Don't be nervous, but go into it aware.

Lead extraction

by nursesteph - 2009-08-14 02:08:07

I am a pacer patient and also a cardiac surgery recovery RN. I had a laser lead extraction in 2002 and had no problems with that part. (I coded 2 days later due to latex allergy and that was a major problem). I was nervous before that procedure but in all honesty since I felt so bad pre-op as my lead was not working correctly, I felt much better after it was all done. I should of been in overnight, but developed pericarditis (which is typical for me) and was in longer then the latex exposure. My pacer actually kept my heart beating longer than it should have as I was so hypoxic by the time they called a code. No problems with the lead extraction itself though. I was in a lot of pain though post-op.

I have lots of experience with lead extraction patients and the majority did great and did not have any complications. I have a fabulous EP doc too and he has lots of experience doing that procedure. (And I was one of the first patients to have that done at the hospital I was at since that was in 2002).

I know it is very scary but keep a good attitude and try not to let the anxiety overwhelm you. Good Luck.

Lead Extraction

by patpeter - 2009-08-14 05:08:48

nursesteph,
thanks for replying, were you in a lot of pain because of all your complications or was it from the surgery? What kind of precautions did you have? I will have to travel on a 9 sitter plane should I be able to do it? I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get closer, thanks so much you have helped put my mind at ease.

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