Lead Replacement

Hi, I'm new to this group. I've had a Medtronic pacemaker device (dual chamber) since I was 26 years old. I found out yesterday that the battery life is low (made it 11 years!!!) but that the lead to the lower chamber is not working correctly and that it will need to be replaced. I'm worried about the procedure. Has anyone (below 50 yrs old) had this done lately? Any information would be very helpful. Thank you. LSG

3 Comments

New Electrode Placement

by Terry - 2008-08-27 10:08:46

Please consider having the lead placed so that it will not bypass the heart's conduction system. Ask your Dr. if he will refer you to someone who can place the lead at the His bundle pacing site for a healthier heart and life. If you want referal to the scientific studies on pacing the cardiac conduction system, and your Dr. needs more info, please write to me (private message) and I will pass on peer reviewed literature.

In the mean time, Google "cardiac conduction sysem."

Terry

Terry

leads

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-27 12:08:14

What a great battery life! Congratulations.

What is wrong with the lead? Is it part of the recall or did it stop working or get a kink or ...? Do you pace ventricle? (iow, do you need the lower lead?)

I'm 41 now and got my first pm at 27. One of my leads went bad 3 or 4 years ago, it has a kink that broke through the insulation. It still gets the signal through but it drains the battery- picture an open window with the air conditioner running like crazy to cool the house. When I had my last battery change, I discussed it at length with my surgeon, cardiologist and St Judes rep. All three agreed I'm not in danger and they left it up to me. I chose to leave it alone. Shorter battery life doesn't bother me because battery changes are easy, and every year I wait is a year technology can get better. I don't have a regular clavicle implant (the pm is buried under the breast and the leads are all over the place) so replacing the leads will be a hassle when I do it. I decided I'd rather risk having my next battery change sooner than deal with the leads now if it wasn't necessary.

They don't usually take the old lead out because after all these years they've grown into place. They just put a new one in on top of the old one. It's no more trouble/discomfort/inconvenience than when they put the first one in. Rarely, they can't run it in the same place a second time so they do it from the right side.

?

by amyd - 2008-09-03 10:09:23

Do you have any advice about lead replacement, I heard there is a doctor in my area that takes the leads out insted of capping them off and putting new ones in, didn't know if there were benifits or more risks to this. I've had a pacemaker since I was 25, I'm 35 now, I've had one replacement after the birth of my first child. I use to never think about it and just go with what my doctor says but now that I have kids figured I should do a little checking up with other people. and I am completely impressed with an 11 year battery!!! I think mine went 8, any tips on making it go longer, lol

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.