Dislodged lead

I had my pacemaker procedure on Monday Nov. 4th. 90 minutes in the recovery room all seemed to be well, I was even having a little lunch. That all ended when the doctor walked in and said the X-ray had shown that the atrial lead had "dropped" and that they would have to go back in to correct it. I had to wait until the next day since I had already been fed... needless to say I was very upset. 

The second operation seems to have corrected the lead dislodgement and I am finally back home. 

I was told this is a very rare occurence... is it? If so, is it normally due to a mistake by the surgeon, a hardware issue or just plain bad luck? I guess it doesn't matter now but I could never get a straight answer from the doctor as to why it happened. I trusted my doctor but now have reservations.

Am I overreacting?

Thanks,  

4 Comments

Do your best

by doublehorn48 - 2024-11-07 12:55:07

In my family I get the procedure done and my wife finds the Doctor and the best hospital. She doesn't trust me so I let my wife take over. If you have a doctor that is qualified, a doctor that has done many procedures, then it was probably just bad luck. Sometimes doctors do make mistakes. I would just be happy that I was now doing good.

Not common - but well recognised

by Xtrabeat - 2024-11-07 12:58:18

Hi - Glad things have been fixed so lets hope all remains well. Lead displacement is a well recognised complication and occurs in between 1-3% of cases usually early on and a bit more common in women. I think there are probably many factors that contribute to the occurence and in your case it is best to ask your cardiologst what happened. Of the alternatives you list, I think bad luck is probaly the right answer. 

The important thing

by Lavender - 2024-11-07 13:35:27

The most important thing is that you're now fitted with a pacemaker that will be your security policy. I am glad you're done with the surgery-and now can begin the healing process. I am glad too that you posted so others can see what could happen and how it went for you. Please fill in your bio page with your pacemaker brand etc so we can see what you have. May your site be an easy healing. 

lead dislodgement

by Tracey_E - 2024-11-08 08:41:33

It's not common, but it can happen, yes. Sometimes the heart wall doesn't like it, sometimes it doesn't stay put, sometimes it's a bad spot, sometimes it's just plain bad luck. Don't blame the surgeon. 

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