New patient. Which brand/model PM should I get

1st post here. Thanks in advance for your time.

46 male here having just been diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome with tachy/bradycardia, 1st degree right AV block, right branch block...

Have been told I need a 2 chamber PM, and have had second opinions that confirm.

Ready to schedule the implant, but have a dilemma as to which brand and model.

Implant EP preffers StJude. Second opinion doctor says I should get something MRI compatible, disqualifying Jude.

Have read some info discrediting the importance of MRI compatibility i.e. that most(all?) devices are, but havent been FDA approved.

I am active as any average 46yo. Bottom line is I want reliability, long battery life, and easy maintenance.

Any helpful opinions out there?

4 Comments

PM selection

by BillH - 2016-06-04 13:07:54

With SSS ask your doctors about this progressing to chronotropic incompetence. That is where the heart rate does not increase enough as you are active. Remember  you will have this PM for the next 8-10 years or so.

If there is a risk then you want a PM with rate response. Almost all the current models have them have this feature, but some are much better than others. Specially for some type of exercise.

Look at this thread which has a discussion how different PM handle this.

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/29693/metronic-v-boston-scientific

And look at this thread for some comments about MRI's.

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/29521/having-an-mri

And ask your GP how much he thinks that MRI's are important. And also how easy/hard it is to get an MRI with a PM in your area, whether it is MRI approved or not.

In some areas they are willing to an MRI even with an unapproved MRI. And in other areas, even with an approved MRI they people sometime have problems getting an MRI.

Ya. This forum SW has bugs

by 1975mg850t - 2016-06-04 15:32:11

Can't leave a post.  The forum seemed to undergo a big change just as I joined it.  I wonder if this post will stick?

Test

by tman - 2016-06-04 18:28:06

test

Fixed

by tman - 2016-06-04 18:29:01

Hi:

The comment posting problem has been fixed. Thanks for pointing it out.

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