when a lead doesn't fit

Those of you who've had experience with adding a new lead that doesn't fit on the left side, how was it handled? Was the device moved to the right side, or the device kept on the left but the new lead run from the right? SuperSurgeon (more polite than the other names I have for him LOL) said if the lead didn't fit in the vein on the left that he'd tunnel it to the right side and put it in the vein there, but leave the device and currently working lead on the left. I'm not going with this guy anyway, but am curious if that sounds as crazy to you as it sounds to me.

1 Comments

Maybe try again

by mick2203 - 2010-01-20 01:01:34

Hi TraceyE. 4 weeks ago now I had a pm fitted, well actually I had three procedures in 7 days due to leads not staying in, so that’s two leads in then both leads replaced the next day. Two days later one lead replaced and the other repositioned. Then three days after a complete new system fitted two leads out and two leads in.

The point is my veins where also shot and restricted for space to get the wires down after the first replacements and he didn’t like the idea of using the same veins again so soon. On the final replacement the Dr injected some contrast into my veins via a catheter in my hand before starting to ensure he could find a suitable vein. I wish I could recall the name of the vein he eventually chose which seemed to come from my arm/shoulder. I do recall him saying that using this particular vein meant that it removed or very much reduced the risk of any problems with my lung.

The point is that all of this was done on the left side and the same pocket was used for all three procedures, mind you that didn’t seem to stop them digging it three times.

Maybe you should ask if there is an option to inject some contrast and review what the veins are actually like, unless of course you have already had this done. He should at least try this before experimenting with long leads etc.

Really hope you get it resolved.

Mick

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