Lead dislodgment

get another opinion

by Tracey_E - 2018-10-02 11:01:15

I don't see how it could possibly be your breasts, geez, what a stupid sexist thing to say. They don't put them in tight, there is plenty of slack between the device and where the leads enter the vein so it probably wasn't your work either. If it comes out twice it could be surgeon skill, placement,  your heart didn't like the type of lead used, or just plain bad luck. If they go in a third time, they usually try another type of lead. I've never heard of that not taking care of it on the third try. 

It's up to you if you want to fix it or not mess with it. As much as a third surgery would suck, I'd probably want to fix it now while it's relatively easy and get it over with. You may not need the lead now but they gave it to you for a reason so turning it off would be a last resort. No way would I let the same surgeon work on me 3 times so I'd start with another opinion, someone in a totally different practice who will look at your records with fresh eyes, a board certified ep. 

pain

by johno 70 - 2018-10-02 11:46:30

Hello first time here for me , great to see that your not the only one out there having problems.

i had my pace maker implanted in the uk 2001, now living in the netherlands i had my second device 2011, since 2012 ive been having dull pains when im pulling or lifting heavey objects,

doctor has told me it could be the lead had xray shows no problems what he can see.

the last 6 weeks its to the point i cant do my job any more when i pulling and lifting i have chest pain radiating to my neck and arm my local doctor gave me strong pain killers. and he thhinks its the lead, i see the cardiologist next tuesday i hope there is a cure.

dislodged leads

by ROBO Pop - 2018-10-02 13:14:25

I've found EP's to be arrogant jerks of the medical community. Your boobs made you do it? Really?

On my first device replacement they added a 3rd lead for CRT-D. That lead pulled out and moved to another town 10 days after implant. Had absolutely nothing to do with my activity. In fact I read a study by a respected university that said it can be traced to poor or improper insertion, defective lead connector, or just plain bad luck. But not due to patient activity.

TraceyE is right, they are supposed to use leads long enough to put a loop in the leads so there is no tension against the ends during body movement.

I am not a believer in leaving old leads in place when not used, we aren't junk yards and as you said the longer it's in place the more difficult to remove. However it can be difficult to convince an EP to remove them. Best you can do is shop around for an EP who will remove it. I had three leads extracted after 10 years and the EP said it was no big deal.

Good luck.

Time for a different doc

by Gotrhythm - 2018-10-02 15:36:59

Your breasts pulled out your lead? Give me a break.

I'm writing to underscore what Tracey said. No way should you go back for a third time to the same surgeons who have already failed twice. And no way should you go back to the yahoo who knows so little anatomy that he blamed dislodged leads on breasts.

Find a different EP in a different practice--even if you have to travel.

Lead displacement ( by quick response)

by quickresponse - 2018-10-03 12:20:41

I had a Medtronic pm fitted Jan 2017 for exercise induced feinting. Felt much better but had lighted moments & eventually 2 blackouts, 1 slow running & 2 swimming after 70mins. Went back to Cardiology. April 2018 They put me on a treadmill & adjusted pm settings. No problems exercising  until middle sept 2018, felt no energy at all, head felt I my feint after very little movement. Went t A & E diagnosed with displaced RV lead. Replaced & fixed with a screw! Told I was unlucky the lead displaced. I am being extra carefull before starting my exercise regime. Even after only a week I feel really good again.  71 year old fitness nut! Old Windsor UK  

Thanks yaal

by laura.mcdaniel47 - 2018-10-03 22:49:59

Well I go tomorrow and my entire device has fell to the middle of my chest close to sternum and just about 2 finger widths from my nipple.. might I add I do have breast implants but not huge enough to cause problems. I am so discouraged as this is probably going to cause me to have to change jobs from the one that I absolutely love.. I havent had any pain with it until today and it feel like my muscle is ripping and when I reach laterally to the right I feel it slide. I am so over this! I just want to have a properly placed device that allows me to live a normal life. I feel like they are trying to pass the buck and not fix me when this is starting to hurt I dont know what to do. Thanks for yalls input it makes me feel better that this sounds ridiculous to other folks too. Might I also add the first lead dislodgment was 1.5 years after implant and 1 year after breast implant 

Am I the only one confused?

by BOBTHOM - 2018-10-04 10:18:16

I think the info you added later paints a clearer picture in some ways but is more confusing in others.   The leads were in place for 14 years with no issues, you have breast implants and suddenly a lead comes lose, I would wonder if there were a relationship there too.  Not being sexist, but in a first thought reaction I would question any surgery over the area.  As for removing the lead, if it's already lose it should be easy enough to pull.  But then again, if it's 15 years old they may not have the right sheathe to put over the end so that it doesn't cause damage on the way out.  That's probably where the concern is and I would say find an EP who is a specialst in lead extractions and has the experience to safely remove it.  

Just my 2 cents.   Good luck!