New 3-leads pacemaker..?

Hi everyone!
I am new here...and looking for some answers.
My AV-node was ablated about 5 years ago. I have a dual pacemaker and I am totally dependent.
I heard about some kind a new pacemaker with 3-leads. The third one is there as a backup in case of malfunction.
If anyone have any information about that I would appreciate that very much.
Believe me it is not easy to live that way. Knowing that if anything goes wrong with that pacer that will be the end of my live. So, having some kind of a back up sounds very good:)

Thanks,
Krys

5 Comments

synchronising pacemaker

by peter - 2007-09-14 03:09:34

Sorry but I think you are a bit confused by the technology. As you have had a AV node ablation there is dissynchrony between your atriums and your ventricles. Hearts can normally put up with this very well, mine does.
Your pacemaker almost certainly has 3 lead sockets but the third lead has not been fitted because the doctors thought that it would not work in your case as in mine. You do not have the third lead fitted if you have an av node ablation. There are no pacemakers with extra back up leads. Modern leads are reliable and in most cases have a 25 year warranty with a possible lifetime expectancy. I am doing very well with my two ventricular leads and no atrial lead. Dont worry you should be fine as you are. Peter........ bayhoecott@yahoo.co.uk

Biventricular pacemaker.

by Stepford_Wife - 2007-09-14 12:09:12

Hi Kris.

Like SS, I couldn't find anything regarding a new pacemaker with a back up lead.
The following article, explains what a biventricular ( 3 lead ) pacemaker is, and why it is used.

Heart Failure: Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (Biventricular Pacemaker)

In the normal heart, the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) pump at the same time and in sync with the heart's upper chambers (atria).

When a person has heart failure, often the right and left ventricles do not pump together. And when the heart's contractions become out of sync, the left ventricle is not able to pump enough blood to the body.

This eventually leads to an increase in heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dry cough, swelling in the ankles or legs, weight gain, increased urination, fatigue, or rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Resynch Normal

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also called biventricular pacing, uses a special kind of pacemaker, called a biventricular pacemaker, designed to treat the delay in heart ventricle contractions.

It keeps the right and left ventricles pumping together by sending small electrical impulses through the leads.

This therapy has been shown to improve the symptoms of heart failure and the person's overall quality of life.

What Is a Biventricular Pacemaker?

Resynch Biventricular

Leads are implanted through a vein into the right ventricle and into the coronary sinus vein to pace or regulate the left ventricle. Usually (but not always), a lead is also implanted into the right atrium. This helps the heart beat in a more balanced way.

Traditional pacemakers are used to treat slow heart rhythms. Pacemakers regulate the right atrium and right ventricle to maintain a good heart rate and keep the atrium and ventricle working together. This is called AV synchrony. Biventricular pacemakers add a third lead to help the left ventricle contract at the same time as the right ventricle.

I hope that helps answer your question.
Take care,

~ Dominique ~

Three Lead Pacemaker

by Silversmith - 2007-09-14 12:09:56

Krys,

The following is info on a three lead pacemaker. I haven't heard of one where one lead is a backup, but I am not an expert on these things either. I wouldn't worry about neediing a backup if I was having my chekups on a regular schedule. A pacemaker is extremely durable and does not stop suddenly. When the battery runs down it does it over several months and with checkups it does not slip on anyone.

A biventricular pacemaker uses three lead wires to help people with severe heart failure, a condition in which the heart's pumping power is weakened. "With heart failure, all parts of the lower chambers of the heart don't contract at the same time, so the heart has less time to fill and pump enough blood out to the body. A biventricular pacemaker paces both chambers of the heart and keeps all walls of the ventricles pumping together." "Research has shown that this improves the symptoms of heart failure (fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance) and can dramatically improve the patient's quality of life."

Good luck

SS

know how you feel

by maestro - 2007-09-15 06:09:20

Krys,

I know how you feel about the AV Nodal ablation, being PM dependent.

It is very concerning to me as well.

I used to tell my cardiologist I believe my heart's intrinsic beating will keep me alive if the PM fails, but he said not to be so sure of that.

Every cell in the heart can make an electric signal or beat. In event of PM failure, there is a chance the individual cells could keep us going until PM replacement. Let's both hope our cardiac cells are intelligent and sustaining.

Three Lead PM

by bjmcpherren - 2007-09-16 06:09:32

I am not familiar with a 3-lead PM but just wanted to comment that I too am 100% dependant on my PM. I have had a PM for 30 years, chances of dying from my PM failure are probably slim compared to all the other ways I could lose my life. You have to try to have faith in your PM - it helps. My advise to you is just make sure you keep up on your phone and office checkups!!
bjmcpherren

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