changing leads

my cardiologist told me that the leads need to be replaced after aroung 15 years.The procedure will cause some muscle damage and cardiac function will be affected... is that what to expect, I got my pacemaker about 6 years ago.

4 Comments

Hi,

by Gellia3 - 2010-06-17 08:06:03

My EP said he wouldn't tough my leads with a 10 foot pole! I've had them for 27 years now. I don't intend to have them replaced as they are working fine. I even had one break and because the break was close enough to the pacemaker generator I was able to just have it repaired. They used a special connector but I think it was just "duct tape". LOL

I think they will only change wires if they show an increased impedance or there is a fracture of the insulation.

Mine are checked each time I have a generator replacement, or when I go for a pacer check up. So far, so good! I plan on going for a "wire longevity" record!

Hope this helps.
Bellia

Oops

by Gellia3 - 2010-06-17 08:06:40

Bellia = Gellia (Can't type worth a darn!)
:)

oversimplification

by Tracey_E - 2010-06-17 08:06:59

Leads last on AVERAGE 15 yrs. They don't just replace them at 15 yrs, they only replace if they stop working. We have members here with leads well over 20 yrs old. My original atrial lead is 16 yrs old and still going strong. My original ventricular got impeded about 5 yrs ago but I just had replaced in Jan when I got my last battery. It was still functioning, but it killed the battery quickly (think A/C running with the window open) so I chose to wait to fix it.

They can usually fit 3-4 leads in a vein. My new (3rd) lead was put in on top of my old ones. If it hadn't fit, the choices would be to move everything to the other side or to extract.

To extract, they use a laser sheath and cut the leads away from the scar tissue to remove them. A few years ago it was considered risky but the lasers have come a long way and the number of drs who are experienced at it has increased significantly. I guess the muscle damage and cardiac function he's talking about would be side effects of an extraction, but of the members here who've had extractions I only know of one who had serious complications, the rest came through it just fine and haven't mentioned additional problems.

Odds are excellent that by the time you need an extraction- if you ever need one- technology will be even better than it is now. So, I'd say you can expect to live a long, perfectly normal life and don't lose any sleep over what might happen to your leads down the road. :o)

Leads last

by Beckes76 - 2010-06-21 12:06:19

With my last pacemaker replacement I had to get all new wiring (leads) because I chose to move my pacemaker site from lower abdomen to chest area. My original leads are actually still attached to my heart but not to anything else. They worked just fine for 21 years and probably would still work if I didn't switch. That will be five years next month.

Everytime I got my PM replaced they also checked the leads but they were fine. You shouldn't have to worry about it for awhile unless something happens,

Becky

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