Duracell Bunny needs new battery

replacement

by Tracey_E - 2024-11-17 22:18:41

I can't speak for NHS, but I'm on my 5th, getting my 6th in a few weeks. They usually do a more detailed interrogation to verify the leads are still good, sometimes turn it off for a few seconds to see what the underlying heart rate is (if it's too low, they will pace during replacement), and sometimes an echo to make sure heart function hasn't changed if you haven't had one in a while.

The whole box gets switched out, not just the battery. They'll leave the leads alone unless there is an issue. Super easy! I'm usually home fixing my own lunch. 

Replacement

by piglet22 - 2024-11-18 04:39:23

Hello.

NHS patient here with one replacement done and another due soon.

The first one in 2016 was an emergency one when the battery had gone too low. Presumably you are on more frequent monitoring or you are being asked to download data via a home monitor.

Batteries don't always do what they are supposed to do and can drop off ahead of the calculated date. Different devices can do different things

 Medtronic Ensura changed mode and started pectoral and left arm twitching. This led to an emergency admission

 There were no checks beforehand, maybe bloods, but no echo and the ECG was just the standard observations. After a couple of hours, went home on the bus.

The upcoming replacement is a different kettle of fish, because they've already told me what they are going to do.

I'm 100% paced A and V, so I'm going to be stress tested first. The result will determine if I have external pacing.

They are going to turn down my heart rate to 30 BPM to mimic being disconnected. Another new feature is that I will be cannulated for Fentanyl.

I've never had a sedative for anything before and I can't say I'm looking forward to it

 I don't know if it's to keep me quiet or allow them to do the swap out without the complications of external pacing.

If external pacing goes ahead, it will be by leg lead insertion and not chest pads.

Yours might be completely different, but the key bit is dependency and how you are likely to react. Most replacements are straightforward and disconnection time is short.

I've been told the month, January 2025, but no day and so far, no pre-proceedure checks.

I found it slightly unusual to be told ahead of time what might be involved but maybe things have changed.

Hope it all goes well and you get a new set of AA alkalines.

Replacement

by Chiefsub68 - 2024-11-18 07:01:36

Thanks Piglet -- and that is reassuring, for me at least. I have a Biotronik and it has been no trouble at all.

I've had loads of sedatives ... every time I go to the dentist. They are marvellous. You know nothing about them and you wake up as if you've had the best sleep ever, and the effect can last several days!

When I had my PM fitted they had a sedative set up in case I needed it. In the event, they had to use it but the surgeon said it was only to stop me singing during the op. I was belting out Beatles songs to keep my mind off things.

Good luck for January.

Replacement

by Chiefsub68 - 2024-11-18 07:03:29

Thank you @Tracey_E. I'm monitored annually and, touch wood, had no issues so far. When they do decide to dive in, I'll let you know how it goes.

NHS replacement

by LondonAndy - 2024-11-20 09:27:48

I am 100% paced, and had a replacement 2 years ago. I recall that i did go in for some tests a couple of weeks before the operation I think, but can't remember what they were. It did not include a stress test, however.

As Tracey_E says, it is a quick and easy operation - I went into London by train in the morning, and came home on a train in the evening. 

Incidentally, although I am 100% paced, I did not need external pacing during the procedure. In fact I didn't even notice anything when the surgeon commented I was now disconnected from the old one!