Trading in the old model - suggestions?

I'm a 63 year old runner with a 6 year old Biotronik Cylos DR-T. At my appointment with the technician today I found out that I've got 6 months of battery life left. Assuming that the devices today are even more advanced than the one I'm having replaced, does anyone have a recommendation for a "late model" pacer that has worked well for you as a runner? I have 2:1 heart block and my Biotronik pacer has worked well for me, but I don't want to miss out on any advancements that have come along since I first was implanted in 2008.

3 Comments

Technology

by Tracey_E - 2014-10-07 09:10:30

Most of the advances are in rate response, which we generally don't use with av block. Block is a simple fix, the pm just makes sure the ventricles beat when the atria does. If you like your biotronik, stick with it.

New features

by golden_snitch - 2014-10-08 01:10:01

Hi!

There have not even been any advances with regards to rate response in the past six years. Manufacturers are no longer working on rate response, they think that what they offer is sufficient for the great majority of patients. Biotronik's CLS rate response sensor came out like 10 years ago or so, accelermeter (motion sensor) and minute ventilation have been on the market for much longer. But as Tracey said, you do not need the rate response anyways.

If your block is not permanent, you might want to look into features/algorithms to reduce ventricular pacing. Medtronic's MVP (manage ventricular pacing) is a good one, so is Sorin's SafeR, and Biotronik now has a similar feature. They don't pace you out of each and every single block, but give the heart plenty of time to do the job on its own. Only when it fails/blocks several times within a certain period of time, the ventricular lead kicks in.

Also, if you exercise, look for a pacemaker with a high maximum tracking rate (ventricular pacemaker lead tracking your sinus node rhythm). There are models out there that can track up to 200 or 220 bpm.

Best wishes

Inga

Hi Mayor......

by Tattoo Man - 2014-10-08 03:10:52


.................as a 64 year old runner with a St Judes..I have given up on my smashing Techies..Lawrence and Nigel....they flatly refuse to 'pimp me up'.....Gits !!!

I am currently on a review of my 5k schedule...simple facts.....

Run regularly....

Regular sprints / efforts / intervals

For Runners there is NO substitute for smashing yourself with interval training if you want speed ...add Tempo runs and what you get is what many people just do not understand....is NOT going for a jog.

For non runners...IGNORE this 'advice'

You know you're wired when...

Lifetime warranty no longer gives peace of mind.

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