PM revision

I had my PM implanted 1997 (dual, Medtronic) and has worked like a dream since., however replacement day will have arrived on 26th November and the PM leads will need replacing as well. Can anyone who has had this done before advise me of how the lead removal/replacement went. I worry somewhat about this part of the procedure as I believe there is some possibility of damage to the heart when leads are removed as they will have grown into the heart over the preceding 10 years. Thanks to all if you can give me some feedback , best wishes Paul

2 Comments

Lead Replacement

by janetinak - 2007-11-18 11:11:53

I had my PM & single lead replaced after 3 years with another of each. The 1st PM never really worked too well but it was my 1st & was much better than the constant AFib that I had for 2 yrs I was pretty happy. I also had an ablation with 1st PM. So I am 100% paced in the ventricle. When the EP pulled out the lead I had a very quick sharp pain across my upper chest & when I asked the EP what that was when he was done, he said that the lead "hung up" on the way out. It went away right away tho. The lead placement was changed from the ventricle wall to the medium (middle divider) of the ventricles. This happened in 2003 & I have had no problems since thanks to the higher power & an excellent EP & staff.

Hope this helps. Good luck, Paul. Let us know how it goes.

Lead replacement

by SusanBrookhouse - 2007-11-19 02:11:53

Hi there.
I had my pm replaced 2 years ago. Unfortunately they left the old leads in situ as could lead to complications.
Inserting my new pm was as if it was the first time I was having one implanted apart from it was on the other side of my shoulder. Nothing to worry about I can assure you

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