Upgrade to 3rd lead

I am going in on 08/13/24 for a third lead due to the left ventricle with slower blood flow than the right ventricle. Is ithis common and is it the same recovery time and procedure as the original pacemaker placement?.  And any other input you have from your own research or experience!

4 Comments

Pacemaker upgrade

by Gemita - 2024-07-24 03:50:52

Tony, I am sorry it has taken so long to answer your question.  A third lead is often required when our two ventricles are not beating in harmony and we start to notice a reduction in heart function and a fall in ejection fraction.  At this stage, we are usually offered cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) to try to help restore a more normal heart function and to prevent any further deterioration.  It doesn’t always work for everyone, or always work quickly, but CRT can be a very effective treatment for many of us.

Placement of that third lead can be challenging to get it into a good position to improve your heart function.  Also, a CRT device is slightly bigger than a dual chamber pacemaker, since it has to accommodate the third lead, so the procedure may be more complex and take longer than the original procedure for your two lead device. 

I truly wish you every success on the 13th August.  In experienced hands, you will be very safe.  Please let us know how things go

Pacemaker upgrade

by Aberdeen - 2024-07-24 10:20:55

I had my dual lead pacemaker changed to a CRT -P pacemaker four years ago. The procedure and recovery time was about the same as my original pacemaker. 
Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Hi Tony

by Lavender - 2024-07-25 01:44:31

I'm a CRT-P wearer. I have three wires. The recovery time was more about a sore arm. The incision site healed quickly. I'm not sure if my neck and arm were placed in a strained position during the procedure because I am smaller sized and there was difficulty getting my third wire in place. It's all ok now! Good luck with your surgery!

Thank you all for your replies!

by TONY4781 - 2024-07-26 04:11:19

I wasn't aware that the device had to be replaced. I was under the impression that there was a spot on my Medtronic for the third lead!  I appreciate have you all to bounce my concerns off of! 

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