Infection forces PM removal.
- by Bigdan
- 2020-01-28 04:51:47
- Complications
- 988 views
- 1 comments
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
You know you're wired when...
You can feel your fingers and toes again.
Member Quotes
We are very lucky to have these devices.
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.