Finally ERI

Well I had my pacer check today and I was in ERI mode, after having frequent pacer checks for over a year! Now I have another question. I have a Guidant pacemaker now. The surgeon who will do my generator change prefers a Medtronic pacer. He would probably put in another Guidant (Boston Scientific now) if I ask him to, but he seems to think the Medtronic is better and has a longer battery life. My Guidant lasted 7 years almost to the day. So what are your opinions about which pacemaker is better quality---Medtronic or Boston Scientific?

7 Comments

Getting A New PM

by Nim Rod - 2009-05-21 09:05:47

From what I read one is probably about as good as the other. Both companies have put out a few bad units over the years and will continue to do so. All we can do is hope we get one that will never have a problem. However, when it is all said and done I would go with the one my doctor likes best because that is probably the one he is most familiar with. To me that says if the Medtronic has an advantage in any area the Dr. will know about it, but if the Boston Scientific has an advantage in any area he may not know about that.
One thing for certain, a doctor is in a better position to know which is better for a particular person than most of us can ever know.

That or one company gives better gifts than the other.

brands

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-21 10:05:23

They all work about the same! I'd go with what my doctor recommends because he's the one who'll be programming it. The programming is what makes the difference between good and great.

Boycott Guidant

by ted - 2009-05-22 02:05:47

Guidant sold units that it knew were defective. To maximize profits, Guidant kept the defects hidden from our doctors. Innocent people were dying, yet Guidant kept silent. Finally, the N.Y Times exposed the deception. Guidant's greed caused needless suffering. Don't reward Guidant by buying their products. Boycott Guidant.

ERI

by thomast - 2009-05-22 12:05:37

I cannot tell you which is better, but I have a Medtromic bi-vin in sync unit that is about to ERI at 4 years. My Doctor said 6 to 9 months until replacment, so will get less than 5 years on it.

I'm with Tracey

by Angelie - 2009-05-22 12:05:49

Go with what your doctor recommends, because he's the one that's going to be dealing with all of the adjustments.
I was quoted a 9 year battery life on my Boston Scientific, but just my luck, my local cardiologist hates Boston Scientific and I'm realizing why because they're in another state and have to travel an hour and a half to come and make adjustments to mine.
I'd take what your doctor prefers.....he has his reasons. I would trade my Boston right now for anything my local cardiologist likes. We'd all be happier.

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2009-05-25 01:05:29

Your best bet is to go with the one the doc is familiar with. I've been very satisfied with my Medtronic and with their reps. If your doc uses them to do the programming it is an advantage.

As for battery life, your particular heart condition will have more effect on it than the make. The demand on pacemakers can range all the way from 100% pacing of both chambers (which puts a high drain on the battery) to cases where they are only needed once in a while to provide support. Comparing two friends experience is meaningless.

frank

no easy choices

by PreciousDays - 2009-05-25 08:05:49

I have a medtronic - with faulty leads - sold to continue bringing in profit. - I thought a dx of heart failure at 45 was lousy - until I found out I needed a pacer and defibrillator - which I thought stunk until I found out the one they used has bad leads which may be worse for me than heart failure without mechanical intervention. If only you could find out who gives your doctor better perks - medtronic or guidant - you might learn more about his choices than you would expect. - sorry I'm so cynical. Faulty leads - er - faulty information will do that to a girl. - Learn what you can for yourself and try to make as informed a decision as possible. - good luck no matter how - or what - you decide. PD

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