Biotronik Eluna Pacing

I could probably post this query in a number of areas, settings, sports related, etc. But, I'll try here first. In Nov, 2016, my Medtronics pacemaker reached end of life and was replaced with a Briotronik Eluna 8 DR-T device. The model was recommended by my cardiologist primarily because I was getting poor rate response from the Medtronic when cycling, my primary form of exercise. I received a catheter ablation in Nov 2010. During which my sinus node was pretty much burned away. Since I'm 100% paced, hills were akin to walls! Try a hill in Colorado when your pacemaker thinks that 94 bpm or less should do just fine! Anyway, I've noted an improvement since getting the Biotronik. However, during the day when at rest and just laying in bed relaxing, I've noticed occurences where my heart speeds up for no apparent reason. My lower end rate is 70 bpm; it's not unusual to increase to the low 90s for 5 minutes or so. Then, just as quickly, it's back down to 70-72 bpm. The tech that is assigned to me by my cardiologist told me that I shouldn't be alarmed and that this is not unusal for this device. My reaction is to be skeptical, quite frankly. She has offered very little in response to my queries except to say that they could turn off the impedance rate response. However, then I'd be left with another device that fails me on those hills. So, my question today is for folks with this particular pacemaker, have you had similar experiences and what solution did you pursue or did you decide to live with it?

Thanks in advance, TL

5 Comments

Eluna

by Soontobewired - 2017-01-27 16:51:27

Hi TL,

I received the Eluna 8 DR-T pacemaker 2 weeks ago. I thought the first week was horrible as the pacing kept my heart racing and I couldn't sleep at night. The EP stated it takes awhile for this model to adjust to your heart. I was not comfortable at all with the settings. 3 days ago my settings were changed to a low of 50 and it has made an incredible difference. I received the pacemaker due to bradycardia.  My only suggestion would be to have the settings changed. I know the exact feeling you are talking about!

Kind regards,

Kathy

Eluna

by greyfox - 2017-01-27 18:45:48

Thanks, Kathy. I called Biotronik this afternoon after posting here. Very courteous and understanding as well as knowledgeable technical group helped me out. I was told that there is a rest rate control setting that determines sensitivity of the device while a user in not engaged in activities that would warrant an increased heart rate. The setting has a value that is 1 to 20, the higher the number, the higher the sensitivity. The tech told me (as I understand it) that a simple chemical change in the heart could trigger a rate increase. And depending on the sensitivity setting, it might not take much of a change. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of time the rep spent with me. Also, he pointed out that if a user has a concern with the device that she/he should always request that the cardiologist's office call in the manufacturer's rep to help. As is the case with my doctor's office, there are usually one or two in-office techs that are providing support for multiple devices from multiple manufacturers. Thanks for you comments!! TL

Further deterioration post CRT-D

by adalongworth - 2017-01-28 05:41:04

Since the implanting of a Boston Scientific CRT-D in Oct. 2015 my physical activity has been reduced to zero.  I can no longer ride my bike or get anything from gym workouts (mainly aerobic).  From 2005 to 2015 there had been a disappointing derioration which stopped me racing then going out on the bike with others all of which seemed to be explained by a an EF<3.5 (35%) and a dodgy pacemaker.  However since the replacement it as been like falling off a cliff.  While I was able to complete a 12 week 24 session physical rehab programme April - July 2016, following a heart attack (I'm told), as I say above, I can now do nothing.

I have had an e-mail communication with a guy from Boston Scientific who gave some advice on the device which I have passed to my cardilogists.  Waiting ro see what they do.

Beginning to wonder what cardiologists know about the devices they are implanting or the patients they are putting them into!

Further deterioration post CRT-D

by adalongworth - 2017-01-28 05:41:05

Since the implanting of a Boston Scientific CRT-D in Oct. 2015 my physical activity has been reduced to zero.  I can no longer ride my bike or get anything from gym workouts (mainly aerobic).  From 2005 to 2015 there had been a disappointing derioration which stopped me racing then going out on the bike with others all of which seemed to be explained by a an EF<3.5 (35%) and a dodgy pacemaker.  However since the replacement it as been like falling off a cliff.  While I was able to complete a 12 week 24 session physical rehab programme April - July 2016, following a heart attack (I'm told), as I say above, I can now do nothing.

I have had an e-mail communication with a guy from Boston Scientific who gave some advice on the device which I have passed to my cardilogists.  Waiting ro see what they do.

Beginning to wonder what cardiologists know about the devices they are implanting or the patients they are putting them into!

Eluna 8 DR-T

by Jackw - 2017-01-29 15:48:29

Greyfox:

I am 70 and active. Had SSS with resting rate as low as hi 30s and a lot of skipped beats. 

Decided to go with the Eluna because I exercise on a treadmill and ski (in Colorado) and the CLS sensor does a very good job of adjusting to these kinds of activites. I too had a week or two of higher rates spikes while still doing simple activities. I does take a bit for the PM to "learn" your habits. Also, this sensor and algorithm are noted for spiking your rate to the 90s if you turn over quickly in bed. In my case it takes a minute or so to trend back down to 60 (my lower limit). I hardly notice it now. I have had the PM for two years now and am very pleased with the added exercise tolerance I have. I am running farther and skiing harder than I could possible have done before the PM. My EP started my upper limit at 120 and we have now cranked it up to 150 which allows me to go pretty hard. I am fortunate to be going to a large practice at a teaching hospital. They are very knowledgeable on Biotronik.

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