.png)
CRT-D choice
My EP has suggested two companies and models for my implant this coming Monday...He installs about 60% Medtronic and 30% St. Jude...the other 10% are replacements where the implant dictates the same equipment as original...he has made it clear that he has no preference in the two models and feels they are both great technology and the the others are also good he just likes to go with what he knows best which are Med and StJ...The two models are Medtronic Claria DTMA1Q and St Jude Assurance MP CD3369...I have no clue so all things being equal I am inclined to go with the Medtronic model as he implants more of those...
Does it really matter and do any of you have experience with these companies/ models?...thanks!
13 Comments
CRT-D Choice
by Heart-Rhythm-Center.com - 2018-06-27 18:02:12
I'd ask the physician doing the implant which device has the best battery longevity. There can be substantial differences in battery longevity between comparable devices. For instance, a device that lasts 4 years may need a repeat procedures (and associated risks of any procedure especially device infection) whereas a device that lasts 10-13 years may help minimize the risk to patient. Another manufacturer to consider is Boston Scientific. Perhaps another option is a second opinion from a different electrophysiologist?
CRD -D choice
by tjl123 - 2018-06-27 18:24:31
Yes, I did ask the question about battery life and didn't get a definitive answer. Just that it depends on how much the device is working and how hard...I took that as about the same...I also did bring up Boston Scientific and he said that it was a fine device just not one that he had much experience with and implanted what he knew...he suggested the same which was to talk to an EP with BS experience for a better opinion on that product...I like the EP and just don't want to have the device choose the EP if that makes sense...thanks for the responses so far...
I'm not attached to St. Jude the way I am to Medtronics.
by AgentX86 - 2018-06-27 22:28:50
Did you really say that you weren't attached to St. Judes, Knotty? Sheesh.
I don't know what I'd do if my EP told me to choose which hardware I wanted. I'd probably answer, "the red one". Huh? What do I know about them. Isn't that why I'm paying him?
Considerations
by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-06-27 22:47:00
Like you, I asked my EP for recommendations. I was concerned about one manufacturer because I had read about problems with their leads. He dismissed that worry saying that companies sometimes have issues and they get discovered and corrected. The brand of device was not a factor in deciding where to place it because I knew there were options. Home monitoring capability was also a consideration -- something that I wanted. You already asked about battery life. The skill and knowledge of your EP with a particular manufacturer is very important, in my opinion.
I was offered several placement options and I recommend you discuss that with your EP before surgery. Home monitoring is a very useful capability so recommend discussing that feature and be sure to ask your EP how the downloaded information is monitored by your EP/arrhythmia clinic.
My ICD is made by another company, so I cannot offer a recommendation about the two companies or devices that you are considering. Nonetheless, in my research I found that both are outstanding companies.
Wishing you the very best!
I May Be Way Off But . . .
by NiceNiecey - 2018-06-28 03:08:51
Between St. Jude's and Medtronics, St. Jude's seems to have had more recalls for various problems.
With that said, I'd go with Medtronics.
All the best in your decision.
Choice
by islandgirl - 2018-06-28 09:08:17
I have a Medtronic ICD. My EP implants a few St Jude as well, but mostly Medtronic. He had told me battery life was about the same for the 2 device choices. Since I have been seeing the EP for about 16 years at the time of the implant, he knew my lifestyle and activities, so I went with his opinion. I like the Carelink system and travel worldwide and it works everywhere.
One more thought
by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-06-28 15:22:26
Ensure the device you get is MRI conditional. In other words, the device and leads will not be harmed by an MRI. Do a search for MRI Conditional Devices for more information.
Hi
by Bionic Beat - 2018-06-29 11:16:54
I thought choosing an appropriate implantable device was HIS job. He knows the pros/cons of both. You likely do not.
Ask him to make the decision, he's getting big bucks for his knowlege base. IMO
Both companies make hundreds of thousands of these and they are worn by people world wide.
Both will probably do the job just fine. Put the ball back into his court.
Best Wishes,
Bionic Beat
Great advice....
by tjl123 - 2018-06-29 12:40:33
I did exactly that and put it back in his court. He said he would be happy to make the decision he just wanted me to know the choices that he has had experience with and success with...He said that he used Medtronics with his Dad and that would be his choice for me...If I wanted St. Jude that would be a great choice too...
So come Monday I will be wearing a Medtronic Claria CRT-D...
thanks for your input...
You know you're wired when...
Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.
Member Quotes
Focus on the good and not the bad.
No matter how much
by Theknotguy - 2018-06-27 17:42:40
No matter how much I'd like to remain neutral, I can't. I have a Medtronic. It's been great for me and unless my EP has a very good argument I don't want to change to another model. In addition to being a good pacemaker my Medtronic runs two programs for afib and those programs work very well.
So anything I say will be prejudiced towards Medtronic. Sorry.
I'm sure the people who have St. Jude feel the same way. I've heard nothing but good things about them, but then again, I'm not attached to St. Jude the way I am to Medtronics.
Any time you need me to muddy the waters, let me know. Hope this helps you make a decision.