Pacemaker wires…

After a recent episode of "911" my hubby is preoccupied with my leads coming "undone".  How often does this occur?  I received my pacemaker 6 months ago......


8 Comments

Properly fitted - never

by crustyg - 2023-04-05 17:49:31

The manufacturers of the devices have considered this problem quite carefully.  There's a threaded collar that holds each lead into the device and then there's a little grub screw on the side that jams against the locking collar so that it - the locking collar - can't turn.  The grub screw is to be tightened by a tool (effectively a sterile, disposable torque wrench) so the grub screw won't undo itself and another EP-doc can undo this little screw in the years to come when the device needs to be replaced.

You're probably as likely to be hit by a falling meteor as have your leads come undone by accident (i.e. without fiddling/twiddling) if fitted properly.

 But nothing I say will stop some folk from worrying.  Chronic anxiety isn't made better by calm reassurance.  You have to reach for the CBT books....  In other words you have to make a conscious, deliberate decision to focus your mind on something else, something constructive.  It's a choice.

Leads

by Acox1951 - 2023-04-05 18:00:43

Thank you.....   

Agent's

by AgentX86 - 2023-04-05 22:41:47

Um, it was well said but the credit goes to Crusty.

Getting old

by AgentX86 - 2023-04-05 23:22:34

I think I'm the only one here who is younger than they once were. 😁

leads

by Tracey_E - 2023-04-06 08:46:34

After the frist year, they are in so tight it takes  a special laser to get them out. 

I forget which show it is, but don't let him watch the one where terrorists hack in and control someone's pacermaker. That's pure fiction, too.

PM Hackers!

by FG - 2023-04-07 16:33:22

Wow you have given me a great idea for a new movie script...

Pacemaker lead

by Nursnan - 2023-06-28 19:46:13

I am waiting for a date for pacemaker revision. After 3 months of feeling great, I began to become SOB. After device adusstments there was hope it would get better. That was April. Finally the EP told me ventricular lead had slipped 1mm. He thinks that since I was so good the first 3 months, a repaired or new lead will alleviate my symptoms. I am now severely SOB, some dizziness, profuse sweating, intermittent mid chest discomfort. All of my vitals are normal, pacing at 70, so going to ER would not have helped.   Only my Cardiologist and EP know the cause  I am waiting for the scheduling Powers that Be to get me a date on the surgery schedule. Anyone with similar issues?  ❤️❤️

 

Pacemaker lead

by Acox1951 - 2023-06-28 21:09:20

SOB - short of breath?  Nursnan - so sorry that this is happening to you..

Prayers that the revision is scheduled soon, and goes well....

You know you're wired when...

Your favorite poem is “Ode to a Cardiac Node”.

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