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implant location
I need a CRT-D implanted. I am left handed and the EP mentioned that having it implanted on my right side may cause a problem because the lead will be longer. He is recommending it to be on the left side even though I am left handed. Anyone else had it on the right side?
I also asked to have the implant below the muscle. Has anyone had issues having it below the muscle vs. in a pocket below the skin?
3 Comments
placement
by Tracey_E - 2018-07-11 15:51:37
As Patch said, once it's healed it doesn't matter what side it's on. They prefer the left because it's the shortest way to the heart, not because more people are right handed. The only thing I can think of that would make a difference is shooting a rifle.
CRT-D are quite a bit larger than a regular 2 lead pacemaker so may or may not be comfortable under the muscle. Depending on your build, they can go lower and deeper without going under the muscle. Talk to your surgeon.
On the left
by MissFitts - 2018-07-14 16:23:48
i am left handed and my PM is on the left. When the team were preparing me on the left side for the procedure, one casually mentioned my being right handed. I said 'No, I am left handed" - horrified looks all round. I said '"well no one asked me!" The cardiologist arrived, they told him twice, he went away, came back and everyone got on with putting it on the left.
Obviously it was a bit awkward afterwards not being able to use the left arm properly, it is instinctive to use your dominant arm. I found it helpful to use a scarf as a sling, not because there was any pain but as a reminder not to reach out to pick things up.
10 weeks on all is fine. It looks a bit knobbly as it seems quite high up, but as long as it works it's fine by me.
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right, left or wrong
by The real Patch - 2018-07-11 14:47:56
I've had two devices on the left and one currently resides on the right. I'm right handed FYI. It has no effect. and yes they do use a longer lead to feed from the right, the vein they use is on the left side.
As for having it implanted under the muscle, a lot of members have that done and it does take longer to heal and tends to be a bit more painful during recovery.