Boston Scientific Resonate X4 CRT-D versus Medtronic Claria MRI Surescan CRT-D

suggestion

by ROBO Pop - 2018-02-12 17:30:00

My suggestion is you sit down with your Electrophysiologist and discuss you lifestyle with him. That information combined with your specific heart condition will guide hims as to which device is best for your specific needs. He's the expert and you/your insurance are paying him a lot of money for his expertise, let him use it. There are just too many variables for us to help you along.

I will say that all the manufacturer's have had recalls of product, it's a man made device they can't be perfect. As for MRI, well frankly that is overplayed. I'm 68 and never had an MRI however I spoke with the head of Radiology locally and he assures me that most major hospitals have a protocol for performing MRI's with older devices which are not "compatible" In fact, he said he does an average of 3 MRI scans of the heart itself on people with non-compatible devices.

Finally, Medtronics is by far the largest manufacturer of pacemakers and has market share. St. Judes, although you didn't mention them is second but were just sold to Abbott Laboratories. I've had St. Jude's devices for 11 years.

As for telling me when I'm in heart failure, not sure the benefit. Anybody with Heart Failure knows. The tell tale swelling and shortness of breath, fatigue, etc pretty obvious.

I'm sure someone here will come along and give you advice on what they think best, whatever you decide, good luck.

Which brand of CRT-D

by LondonAndy - 2018-02-12 19:14:41

I can't help much with your decision - I don't have a CRT-D just a Medtronic DDD-R pacemaker, and to be honest here in the UK I was not asked anything about device preference anyway - mine was inserted because of surgical complications during heart surgery, so was urgent whilst already in hospital.  But when it is due for replacement I shall take greater interest in the next one, with the benefit of experience of this one.  I have had an MRI scan (Oct 2017) and no issues, but it took a long time to have it done because of radiographers concerned about the risk of doing harm to one, which a doctor described to me as them being not fully appreciative of the shielding developments in recent years.  Does your question mean that there are still devices being produced that are NOT MRI conditioned?

Given my underlying confidence in the judgment of NHS medical professionals when it comes to replacement, I think the biggest issue for me as a recipient of a device would be how the rate response system works (to increase your pulse when the body needs more energy because of exercise etc).  But this is not something I have to consider for about another seven years, by which time doubtless lots will have changed.

CRT-D

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-02-13 22:17:57

 I don't know about either, but the MRI capability is a definite plus.  I would also check the size of each device.  CRT-Ds are larger than pacemakers.  Recommend looking at the size of each of your proposed devices and envision its placement in your body.  There are options on placement, so ask your cardiologist or EP.