Defective lead needs to be replaced

There is a recall on some difibulator leads that Medtronic used.
They Fracture and can cause shocks or not shock when needed.
My Cardio. Doc has stated I need to have the lead removed and replaced with a new one.
I have asked that the Battery be replaced at this time as they are going to have me opened up anyway.
I have read alot about the procedure and there is posibility of problems but have found very few listed anywhere.
I will be having this done on July 29, 2008. They are thinking of doing another procedure that will fix my AFIB, this would be to go through my grion and use a laser to bun the node that gives signals between the upper chamber and the lower one.
Then the PM will control the heart rate for both and the AFIB will be gone.I think this is what the procedure is I will let everyone know how it goes.
Keep the faith.
Dav969

5 Comments

AFIB

by pete - 2008-07-18 04:07:17

I think you will find that the proceedure to "burn the node that gives signals between the upper chamber and lower one" as you put it is called an AV NODE ABLATION. This will not cure your AFIB but will prevent it from causing you two lower chambers, the ventricles from being affected by the AFIB. They will be able to beat in synchrony and at a controlled rate. I think you need to clarify matters with your doctors so that you know what they are doing and exactly why. Cheers pete

replaced leads, battery, afib and av node ablation

by Vai - 2008-07-18 12:07:43

1. Replacement of the leads is more delicate operation and need an experienced and skilful cardiac surgeon. Just make sure you are in good reputable hands.
2. There is no battery replacement for the PM. The battery and the PM unit is designed and built as a single unit. Replacement of the battery is same as replacing the PM unit. This procedure is similar with routine PM implant
3. AV node ablation (as you described) burns out the connection between the upper & lower chambers. You will be 100% dependent on the PM. The AFIB does not go away. It will continue but you will not feel its effects. The storm of electrical activity in the upper chamber which cause the AFIB no longer can be conducted to the lower chambers.
4. Patients with AFIB carry a higher risk of stroke. AFIB must be managed with medication (or other surgical procedures). The medication usually involve beta blockers to slow down the heart to reduce fibrillation frequency & intensity and blood thinners (warfarin or coumadin or aspirin) to reduce the risk of stroke.

I suggest you follow-up on Pete's suggestion. Learn more about your condition and is being done to help you.

Trust this helps.

Leads and A-Fib

by Pika - 2008-07-19 12:07:55

My first lead was leaking after 12 years. They put in another 2 leads (one in right Atrium and one in right ventricle). Now my chest X-ray shows I got 3 leads. (2 in the right Ventricle and one in the right Atrium). They didn't pull it out but they capped it. This is my fourth pacemaker now.

It is true, Av node ablation wouldn't cure the A-Fib. It just disconnects the rhythms pass to the ventricle. You're remain in A-Fib for the rest of your life.

Did your doctor suggest any Pulmonary vein isolation, Mini maze or Wolf Mini Maze procedure?

Some pacemaker-based treatment will not cure afib but may temporarily suppress it. I also read an answer from an expert - "In persistent A-fib atria are not paced as it has no effect in persistent A-fib. If A-fib is intermittent, pacing may prevent it in some cases, especially with multi-site atrial pacing."

I hope the info might help you a little. Good luck.

Leads and A-fib

by maryanne - 2008-07-23 09:07:17

I am not sure I can add much more than what has already been said.

Two years ago I had a lead replaced and they did it at the same time I needed my battery replaced. The lead they replaced was my original lead that I have had in place for over 20years. It was a Meditronic lead, one in which was part of a recall. I wasn't having any problems with it they just opted to change it due to it's age and the fact that I was already having to have my battery changed. I did not have any complications other than a discomfort from now having three leads in with the old original lead in place. The old lead if not extracted can migrate and be uncomfortable as was my case and I ended up having to go back and having it repositioned.

As for the Afib. yes it sounds like they will be attempting an ablation, which is becoming more common. It is where they try and recurcit the elcectric pathway in your heart. sometimes they are successful in doing this other times they are not, and even if they are successful people can still convert back into the atrial fibrillations. There are risks and complications with any invasive procedure. But if they can find the electrical pathway that is causing your atrial fib and correct it by cauterizing then it is worth having the procedure done.

Best of luck, and keep us posted

I am Back

by dave969 - 2008-08-03 10:08:19

I went in 729,2008 for my procedure and it was a sucess
I am back to work tonight 8/03/2008.
I work as a Maintenace Technician on 3rd shift.
They changed the Pace Maker and removed the lead a put in a new one and then went up through the Groin and did the ablation.
I was sore for about 3 days but everything feels fine now just a little tenderness.
I have t watch what I do at work and take it a little easy.

I get a checkup at the Cardio's office Tuesday it sould be ok.

Thankyou for the input and advice it is nice to know you are not alone.

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