ICD to PM "Downgrade"?

Howdy,

Wow two posts in one day I need to get a life! ;-) Anyway I keep meaning to ask has anyone ever had an ICD removed an replaced with a PM because over time it was determined that the ICD was never doing anything but pacing the heart? A follow up question is has anyone ever had a PM removed because there heart somehow started pacing normally again?

I'm going to guess no to both as Doctors may never want to put themselves is a position where they might become liable if something goes bad later.

Regards,
Kevin

3 Comments

Why replace now?

by ElectricFrank - 2008-03-26 01:03:48

The first thought I had is why replace the ICD now if it is doing its job pacing your heart. As long as the batteries hold up you might as well wait and consider making the change when it needs replacing. It would just be an unnecessary surgery.

Am I missing something?

frank

Hmmm...

by ela-girl - 2008-03-26 04:03:16

I DO believe that there is at least one person on this site who was having their pm removed because they were doing fine now. Have you tried searching the site with the search feature?

I would also agree with EFrank...if the ICD is pacing one just fine, keep it in until the battery dies. If there is no sign of vtach or whatever else warrants an ICD, I would think a doctor could put in a pm at replacement instead of an ICD.

Just my thoughts!
ela-girl

Just Being Curious

by kmcgrath - 2008-03-26 12:03:39

Howdy Frank,

I'm not looking to have my ICD replaced but I was just wondering if it's ever been done for future reference when my batteries do run out & I have to go back in for a new one.

Regards,
Kevin

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