Timing of Follow-up Surgery

I just had an CRT-D implanted and the doctor said he could not attach the third wire at the time of surgery because my veins were very narrow and twisted, but he wanted to try again.

He said I could do it in 6 weeks or 6 months. Should I ask to have it done ASAP to minimize scarring . If I wait, I am afraid that the wires may be in place and the procedure will disturb them

Not sure if he has to add the third wire, does he have to remove the CRT-D .

 

4 Comments

timing

by Tracey_E - 2018-08-24 13:49:01

Did he say why wait 6 months? I would think sooner is better. There are reasons why he chose to go with 3 lead over 2 lead, so you want what you need asap. 

Disturbing what's there shouldn't be an issue, now or later. 

They will go in the same place because the last lead has to be connected to the box. 

I agree with Tracy.

by AgentX86 - 2018-08-25 01:47:04

The sooner the better,  before the leads settle into the vein and scar over. I'd think that would make it even tighter.

He shouldn't have to remove the pacemaker, just connect the new lead to it. He'll have to open the pocket and perhaps move it around some. Shouldn't be a big deal though.  How did the original surgery go?

Mine went in fine...

by tjl123 - 2018-08-25 12:03:13

But the ep did tell me that if he couldn’t get it in, about once out of 20 implantations, a surgeon may be needed...if it were me I would do it as soon as possible while he’s ready to try...he also told me that I could just skip the 3rd wire as it was not necessary for me and not worth going the surgeon route...

Went fine? Really?

by AgentX86 - 2018-08-25 20:26:08

If the third wire is "unnecessary", why did he go to the trouble of prescribing the CRT pacemaker?  The third wire is what the "CRT" part of the pacemaker is all about.  I certainly wouldn't accept this answer.

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