Micra

I had a dual chamber Boston scientific put in 2014. Had it taken out, leads and device last June because it collapsed my cephalic vein. They left pacemaker out and after a month of not having it, I was very symptomatic and 2 different heart monitors showed I had pauses and low heart rate. They put it back in December 2017. My arm is still swollen and thumb turns blue. My EP sent me to vascular surgeon and he cannot fix my vein because I have the pacemaker. I am miserable. My EP is wanting to take pacemaker back out and put Micra in. He believes that I am not doing good with the traditional pacemaker and I agree. I a bit nervous about the Micra. Can anyone give feed back on their experience with the Micra?

9 Comments

micra

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-13 09:06:30

If you do a search, we have a few members with them.They still aren't very common but they're getting more so and it sounds like a good choice for you. The only other option if your veins aren't cooperating would be epicardial leads. If I was in your shoes and had the choice between epicardial and micra, I'd go with the micra. 

Micra

by dmedcalf - 2018-05-13 12:53:33

Thank you Tracey. I am going tomorrow to talk to my EP about everything. Hopefully he can explain more and I will not be scared. 😊

Micra

by Lana - 2018-05-14 00:45:42

i had the Micra put in on Feb 26, 2018. I was having fainting spells with bradycardia. I feel great and I have forgot all about my micra. I have zero restrictions. I just started back in the gym and I have my energy back. Any questions, you can send me a message. I looked all the videos about the micra and did a lot of research, I am very happy with my decision. The only thing I was concerned about is that when the battery life ends, it doesn't get removed, another one is placed inside with the other. It is super small and I was told several would fit with no problem. 

replacements

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-14 13:31:38

Adding another micra when the battery dies may be a concern but imo only because it's never been done, not because of space. Those of us with traditional leads have a lot more hardware in our hearts already than a micra, which is the size of a grain of rice. 

Insurance and micra

by dmedcalf - 2018-05-14 13:52:59

 Well I guess I am not getting the Micra done. It is not covered by my insurance. 

oh no!

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-14 14:09:10

Can your doctor appeal on your behalf? 

Appeal

by dmedcalf - 2018-05-14 14:37:20

I am not sure. I asked about that and Blue Cross Blue Shield told me and my dr. Absolutely no covering that procedure. 

elective

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-14 22:28:10

They may not cover it if you choose it because it's new and considered experimental, but if it's your only option, you may be able to make a case. 

hi

by Pinkit94 - 2018-05-16 22:04:19

If you live close to a university center, you could find a hospital/physician that does clinical trials with Micra, a lot of times it can be covered that way, only down side to clinical trials is that often you need to have more device checks. I’m a research coordinator who works with various devices, ironically I have one an ICD myself. Best of luck!

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!