You'd never know I have a pacemaker - axillary subpectoral pacemaker placement story

For anyone about to undergo pacemaker surgery and concerned about device protrusion, I'd encourage you to talk with your cardiologist about a subpactoral placement in the axillary (side of your armpit).  I'm an active, slender 45-year old woman and found out I needed a pacemaker after going through pre-op tests for open heart robotic surgery to repair my leaking mitral valve (turns out I had a 3rd degree heart block - yikes!).  After learning that I'd need a pacemaker, I quickly did some research and found out about the subpectoral placement through the axillary.  My cardiologist referred me to the top pacemaker surgeon in our area and I had the procedure 3 weeks ago.  While recovery was longer and more painful than a traditional pacemaker implant, it was well worth it and I'm just thrilled with the result.  Just wanted anyone concerned about device protrusion to know there is an alternative.  So thankful for this life-saving technology!  Best wishes to you all.

2 Comments

Sounds like a good idea

by Protimenow - 2020-07-03 14:54:14

Placing it in the axilla sounds like a good idea, as long as your surgeon can easily find the vein to thread the leads through. I don't know how much of a problem this will be in the future when the battery runs out and it will need replacement. I'm not entirely sure if you will be able to hold your left arm against your side, without encountering the lump. 

I didn't have time to think about the lump in my upper chest when I had my pacemaker placed. Now, I'm considering having something of equal size placed on my right chest, so I have matching lumps (not really). 

I have mine under the skin

by PacedNRunning - 2020-07-05 04:24:36

I have mine under the skin. Same area as yours but hidden very well. My doctor placed it well under several layers of tissue to hide it. So actually under the muscle isn't the only way to hide it. :). If your doctor is skilled at placing it deep under the skin, it will be hidden well. The issues with under the muscle is future replacements. People tend to build scar tissue under the muscle which can make future placements more difficult. I got mine at 46 years old and will need many more replacements so my doctor felt under the skin is good for now. Also being athletic/active, under the skin is best with subaxillary approach. :). Just want to add my info about under the skin. I'm pretty thin too 5'7 155lbs. 

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I wasn't really self-conscious about it. I didn't even know I had one until around six or seven years old. I just thought I had a rock in my side.