PM replacement

I'm getting myself my 3rd pacemaker in a few days.  Generator change only.  EP suggested I see a surgeon to replace and reroute one of the three leads, but I declined. EP asked, "Why not?" I answered, "My hematologist - who watches over my blood issues (ITP, Lupus anticoagulant, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, along with a low platelet count usually around 100K) has stated: AVOID any knife!" The skin opening for a PM is not considered like a typical surgery. EP will keep me on warfarin during the PM/ICD change.  I'd sorta kinda would like to be able to be mildly sedated and watch his handiwork, rather than be drugged and stupid during the procedure. Think if I ask, he'd abide?

3 Comments

sure

by Tracey_E - 2018-11-26 10:01:24

Some doctors do it that way anyway so it's not unheard of or even uncommon to be awake and alert. 

ITP and lead replacement.....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-11-27 22:19:57

I am a TTP survivior, currently considered in remission.  ITP is very similar.  Not sure where you see the difference between lead replacement and pm replacement.  In both they are making the incissio.  Its basically the same procedure.  There are no additional cuts.  I'd have the EP and Hematologist talk so they are on the same page.  The other thing is the risk of lead failure if you don't have it replaced and then they need to do it in an emergency situation.  If it were me I'd be more worried about the warfarin if you already have bleeding/platelet issues and look to limit that.  Or maybe that's the issue, it would take longer to remove/reroute/replace a lead' and they want to limit the time on warfarin.  Just my 2 cents.  I hope it works out well for you!

PM replacement

by Dave H - 2018-11-30 21:13:17

Had my Medtronic VIVA XT-CRT replaced with a Medtronic "Claria MRI CRT-D SureScan" today.  Evidently, this device can handle MRI radiation - but how about the leads that are the originals from 6 yrs. ago?   BTW: I really couldn't watch, altho I was mildly sedated, 'cuz I was "hogtied" under a tent-like structure. Only thing I didn't like is this: I could feel when the Doc was slicing my skin - Ouch, and when he was "pulling" the skin to cover the new device. (More ouch!)  Total time for the procedure: 1 hr. 20 min.

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