Most Recent Messages in Batteries & Leads

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Laser Old Wires

I have a question for anyone that may have some experience or knowledge in this area. My heart doc told me that when I next have my pacer replaced he is bringing in a surgeon that will use a laser on the old wires and remove them before he puts in the new pacer and new wires.


I have never heard of this before.
******

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Lead Wire Fractures

I have had both of my original lead wires fracture on me. These wires were part of the original PM insertion back in 2005. Seems these wires should have lasted more than 7 years. Could it be possible I was given (originally) a set of bad wires?

What is the "normal" length of time most of you have experienced with lead wires before having to get replacements?

Thanks much for the feedback.....Ranman

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question about leads

I have had my pacemaker for 3 weeks. I hear stories about the leads coming loose or out. My question is- Do you know if they come out? Or can this only be known by an Xray? I think I am doing a good job of not stretching my arm, BUT on occasion I find myself reaching and I have also awakened and found my arm way up above my head! Also, ladies, is it okay for me to reach back and clip my bra?! As you can see, I am a bit paranoid about this!

This chatboard and members are the BES...

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Another MRI-Compatible Recipient

Hi, I also just had the new Versa MRI compatible pm implanted Monday. I am now recovering from a bout of pericardial effusion (fluid buildup/inflammation from the lead extraction process. Was placed back into ICU after my BP dropped dramatically, became violently nauseaus, pain in inspiration, was blacking out suddenly, etc...... Went through 3 failed attempts to open an arterial line (ouchhhh!!!) and a PICC line, and a bunch of other bothersome procedures. Echo-cardiograms show no new incre...

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Confused and Worried

Hello, I am very new to this site, I am a 35 yr old female, However, I have had my pacemaker for just about 10 years now come June. I am on my Second PM and have had one lead replacement do ne in 2009 with a new device. My original atrial wire is still in place. However, I was informed by my pacemaker rep that my atrial lead is deteriorating and it needs to be replaced. My Cardiologist is trying to make some adjustment to the setting so that I will not have to go through another surgery at this...

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Successful Replacement

Hi Everone

Had my pacemaker and aterial lead replaced on Friday and I am feeling great. No problems (other than trying to keep my arm down) and have had very little pain. I am now the proud receiptent of a Medtronic Versa Pacemaker

Now on to my other challenge.

Tom

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Getting Pacemaker & Lead replaced Friday

Hi Everyone,

I am going to have my pacemaker and aterial lead replaced this Friday. The battery was getting low and with the radiation treatment and interrogation every day, for 25 days, really drained the battery. I have had my pacemaker for 8 years and my aterial lead has been deteriorating for over a year now. I will have to stay in the hospital overnight Friday due to the lead change.

Once my pacemaker is changed and working properly then I will have my esophageal ca...

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Lead/Scar tissue issues...

My son who is only 2 1/2 years old had his 1st pacemaker put in June of 09 and then his 2nd pacemaker put in April of 10. Both times they put in a St Jude's Pacemaker and the reason for replacement was due to 1 lead forming scar tissue over it and draining the battery. 3 months after the surgery in April we found out that it once again had happened again, so a battery that is supposed to last my little boy 5years does good to last one year...So he will have surgery again this year. Because of...

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getting new battery change soon

My battery is getting low and the doctor said it has about 2-12 weeks left.  It’s also a defibrillator.  The tech told me that now they use a wireless set up.  Like when I have to call and put that pad over my ICD then it gathers the information then transmits the results to the tech.  She said to just put the pad on long enough to wake up the pacemaker.  Have to get a new carelink monitor when they replace my ICD.  Also, I have to have AED traini...

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Lead is loose

Hi everyone, I am knew to the pm club as I just had mine put in 2-14-11. Happy Valentine's Day to me huh...:) I just had my first pm clinic checkup yesterday and was told that basically my pm is not doing anything for me because one of my leads has come out. Now I have to have surgery again:( I just got my incision healed and was able to go back to doing all my normal activities. Now I am guessing that I will have to go through the whole 30 day thing again of not raising, lifting, pulling et...

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Two Atrial leads

My original pacemaker was placed in 1997. At the time a lead was placed in each atria, supposedly to stop atrial fib. I am preparing for an atrial fib ablation. The drs are all perplexed by the three leads. I had the pacemaker replaced in 2006 and the same leads were left in place. Does anyone have any experience with this three lead placement? That third lead may present a problem for the ablation procedure. Thanks for your help.

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How Long Time Limit on Battery ?

I was told I need a new pacemaker. How long does the battery have approximately ? I know its depends on usage, any time limit ? 3 months ? 6 months ?

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Left versus right

Hello
I am 100% pacemaker dependent with a pacemaker/defibrillator. My left vein is now almost full with leads, 4 to be exact that they can not remove. I am due in the next few years for a new device and they will likely need to go from the right side. Can anyone point me to literature that discusses the issues if any associated with right versus left side lead implantation? Thanks. Greg
gwb@whidbey.com

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new battery

hi i am scheduled to have my battery changed in the morning i have had my pm for 10 years and this is the first time it is changed. Kinda nervous but i have been reading on this site and i have gained tons of knowledge thanks for being here

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anyone knows?

hi all, I have not been on for a while. I am going through a "dark" time right now. Had 2nd implant dec.28/2010 after the first PM was faulty. Just received my ID card. I have a Medtronic ADDRL1 pacer and Guidant leads. During my last interrogation I was given the lead numbers. they don't "jive" with the ones on the ID card. also I had StJude leads implanted before and now they switched to Guidant. Phoned the doctor and got nowhere. who do I believe? my last ID was from Medtronic and this ID car...

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Two for one

I went in for Atrial lead revision on 31.3.2011 because it was thought the Atrial lead had misplaced. The Dr had difficulty getting through the fibrous tissue which had built up around the PM and said that he might have damaged the Ventricle lead in doing so.  He replaced both.  However, I was amazed by the differences between my first implant, in a London Hospital, and the revision which took place in a local hospital.

In London I was:
1.My head was totally cove...

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got the wires wrong!

My mum had her pacemaker fitted 3 weeks ago and felt really rough the first week.  On the second week she was starting to feel better but was having dizzy spells.  She told the nurse who gave her a heart monitor to wear for 3 days and it picked up pauses on her heart.

Turns out they never put the wires on right and it could have caused her to have a heart attack.  Well this morning she had to have it all done again just as her wound was getting better.  I am so an...

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Nearing EOL phase of battery

I am nearing the redline in my battery life. They tell me I may be 4 months away from needing a replacement. That was in February. They say the insurance company will not replace the battery until you have entered the redline area. My question is this: I have been feeling a lot of skipped beats and either PAC's or PVC's the last week. I usually have these on and off, but this past week it has been a lot more constant. Does anyone know what I am suppose to feel as the End of Life phase of...

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Lead Replacement

I am a 42 year old female. As a child I had 2 open heart surgeries at the age of 2 & 5 and a pacemaker put in at age 7. This was implanted in my stomach and I actually had to charge the unit weekly by plugging myself in. This one lasted till I was 17 and it was replaced with a new single wire lead. The PM was implanted into my breast tissue and it is a great location. No problems and it cannot be seen whatsoever.

I am now on my 6th pacemaker and I am due to have it replaced Apr...

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discounts

I understand that St. Judes are offering a discount if battery requires repalcent in less than 5 years, can somebody give me a clear picture?

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Member Quotes

I am no expert, but I believe that without the defibrillator that I have, I would be dead.