PM Heat

MY pm was installed 45 days ago.  For the first five weeks the site of the pm implant was warm to the touch.  I used a contact baby thermometer and the pm side of the chest at the implant side was 3 degrees hotter than a similar spot on the other side of the chest.  The Medtronics techs and the doctor's PA all said that this was an anomaly and checked the site for infection.  There was no infection.  A week later the temp is not as high as before but there is a noticeable difference in temp to the touch.    As I only imagine, there are no moving parts in the device; I cannot imagine anything that could be defective but the battery.  And, of course, if the device is defective, should I wait for early total failure to get it replaced or get it done now?  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

4 Comments

Heat

by PortCityPacer - 2024-09-27 11:48:47

I'm by no means an expert but a PM is a low power electronic device and as such should generate a very small amount of heat. I wouldn't think it would be detectable by touch and I only know that mine is not.

Infection, allergy or nothing serious?

by Gemita - 2024-09-27 12:22:13

Aloomac, my device/pocket frequently feels slightly warm unless it is my imagination and so does my husband’s and this has been going on since 2018.  We have the same manufacturer model.  I haven’t even questioned it but my husband has.  However, whenever we return to the hospital for a device/lead interrogation and other checks, all seems to be more than okay. 

I have even had a PET Scan looking for signs of infection because of widespread symptoms, but no infection was ever found.

I think a slightly warm sensation on top of the pocket may be normal, providing you have no signs of inflammation, skin colour changes, signs of infection or of an allergic reaction? 

Have you been checked for infection, allergies? I would check with your clinic and also ask whether your model of pacemaker has any “recall” notices against it?  Not sure what else to suggest.

I wouldn't think of replacing it just yet especially if the device is working well and you are feeling well?

Not Likely the Pacemaker

by DoingMyBest - 2024-09-27 16:03:46

A normally operating pacemaker consumes micro-watts of power. This is not a source of detectable heat. If a pacemaker were defective and consuming enough power to be felt as heat, the battery life would be very short, no more than weeks. With modern devices utilizing bedside monitors, rapid battery depletion would be detected and reported immediately.

I'm with Gemita on this one. Please look for other causes and don't worry about the pacemaker itself as a cause.

Warm From Healing?

by IrishToast - 2024-09-28 21:00:23

It takes some time for healing, and swelling to diminish. Perhaps the heat from inflammation and healing is the reason ice helps.

On the opposite side, I don't have very much fat over mine and I notice if it is cold out in the morning it feels like the metal of the PM gets cold. I stuff a little cushion over the spot before going out on the deck with my coffee.

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

It's much better to live with a pacemaker than to risk your life without one.