Infection forces PM removal.

What a balls-up! 6 week post op and have just had pacemaker removed yesterday because of infection concerns.

Wound hadn't healed and stitches were visible below scab. Tests showed no infection from swab/blood/echo tests but doc wasn't happy with it so as a precaution leads and device have been taken out.

Plan is to let the wound heal and pop a new one in on right side of chest, hopefully in a month or so. Fortunately have been allowed home until then.

Gutted as was just getting back to normal.

Anyone else had this problem? Apparently its quite uncommon.

Its a dual chamber SJM device. UK based.

Regards, Dan.

 

1 Comments

Prevention of infection is very important

by crustyg - 2020-01-28 13:46:33

My EP doc's cardiac lab insist on MSSA/MRSA screening for *all* patients going into the treatment room for ablations and PM implantations - and agressive treatment for those found to be carrying Staph Aureus - 4% chlorhexidine body scrub, clean towels post shower, nasal antibiotics.  Sigh!

Skin cleaning was a *lot* more thorough than for ablation catherisation, careful single-use of two separate applicators and careful air drying of the alcohol-based skin cleanser.

Really sorry for you to have gone through this, but at least it was recognised and prompt action taken.  Left a bit longer could have been even more serious.

As you say, an infection of the PM pocket/skin wound is uncommon - and in this day and age it should be.

Best wishes for the re-do.

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.