Coming up to second pacemaker

Hey there!  It's been a while since I have been on here - got a Medtronic pacemaker in 2014 following surgical complication from having a mechanical aortic valve inserted,and seem to have slowly stopped coming here as life continued as normal, without any pacemaker issues as far as I can tell.  But I am 100% dependent, and so the battery is getting low. The most recent check, in February, suggests surgery for a replacement is likely in December.

So my question is: have there been any new developments in pacemaker features that are worth me exploring with my device people? A quick scan through recent posts suggests more wireless devices are being trialed, but as this is a replacement for an existing device, I already have the wires so not really bothered about that option.

I am age 56, in the UK, and surgery will be done at St Bart's hospital in East London on the NHS, so I may not get much choice in the matter! 

Thanks in advance.

4 Comments

There are almost always new features...

by crustyg - 2022-03-15 04:20:55

..but whether these are of any use to you depends on your particular heart issues.

(Sweeping generalisation alert) The biggest challenges for PMs are in patients who have SSS+CI, and those who have arrhythmia issues (PMT, runs of ectopics/tachy, and variable conduction issues at the AV-node) - and LV remodelling due to prolonged RV-apical pacing.

Rather than focus on the tech (do you really understand how the ABS and adaptive-cruise work on your car?), ask yourself, is there anything that I try to do in my life that my heart/PM prevents me from doing?  If yes, then make sure that your EP-doc knows this.  Otherwise, accept the new device (hopefully fairly pain-free replacement) and enjoy the foc box etc.

I hope it all goes well for you.

Thanks Crusty!

by LondonAndy - 2022-03-15 13:59:11

A fair answer.  I guess I was wondering what new functionality exists to then ask about it, but as you say, since I am not aware of any restrictions my current device causes I guess I will go with the flow!

Boston Scientific

by DutchyDawg - 2022-03-22 22:27:31

If you are into cycling, swimming, or do other activities that increase your breathing then check this out.  This is what I have now.  BS L331.  I am a cyclist so it should help.  I've had it for two weeks now and have been on my Peloton and also stair climbing.  Seems to work great out of the box. I have not had my first adjustment yet so I'd imagine it will only get better from here.  

 

https://www.bostonscientific.com/content/dam/bostonscientific/Rhythm%20Management/portfolio-group/CRT-P/CRM-568307-AB_RateRight%2BClinical%2BBrochure_FINAL.PDF

Thanks DutchyDawg!

by LondonAndy - 2022-03-25 02:14:36

Useful link - improving rate response is definitely something I am interested in.

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