Pace maker battery change

It is just over 10 years since a Medtronics dual lead was implanted fopr a complete heart block with no other cardiac abnormalities. It has worked perfectly and I have travelled well near 2 million miles internationally since then.
I have been advised by the hospital to have the batteries of the PM replaced. Any advise?
Thanks,
Parar

2 Comments

pacemaker

by jessie - 2007-07-06 12:07:36

this is good info and i was told miine would last 5 years so will ask at appt. in september. if you parar have received ten years that is excellent news. you have had no complications and that is even better news. so good luck and take care of yourself jessie

Pacemaker Battery Change

by Silversmith - 2007-07-06 12:07:54

Parar,

Someone posted the folowing info on getting a new battery some months ago and I kept a copy since I have this procedure in my future. Thought it may help you as it adds a few details to what Bob told you above.

"Pacemaker batteries last about 5 to 10 years before they need to be replaced. Because the battery is sealed inside the generator, replacing a battery requires replacing the entire generator. This procedure is usually simpler and shorter than the initial implantation. To replace the generator, the pacemaker pocket is opened, the old generator is detached from the leads, the new generator is attached to the leads, and the pocket is closed. Occasionally, the leads wear out and need to be replaced. Replacing the leads require a procedure similar to your original implantation."

Silversmith


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You prefer rechargeable batteries.

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