Given a choice of which PM...

I am scheduled to receive a CRT-P (biventricular) PM in January to improve my LV function, and I asked my EP/Cardio if I had a choice of model and brand. He wrote he would be comfortable with Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and St Jude, with St Jude having the advantage of daily wireless monitoring and data upload.

That's all he wrote, and I have been searching for which models he could have meant, and I was able to find only one St Jude, one Boston Sci. but no Medtronic CRT-P devices. They have only CRT-D (with ICD).

The models I found were
St Jude Anthem RF MODEL PM3210 CRT-P
Boston Scientific CONTAK RENEWAL TR CRT-P

Being of a technological mindset, I already strongly prefer the St Jude, but I was wondering if anyone here has some experience they can share with me on this topic? Were you given a choice, regular PM or CRT, what did you choose and why?

Thanks!

11 Comments

??????????????????

by pete - 2009-12-18 04:12:43

I have a Guidant Contak TR2 Cardiac Resynchronisation Pacemaker ( CRT ) (actually made by Medtronic). I had worked out myself which type of pacemaker I needed and that I would greatly benefit by having an AV node ablation as well. I did all this before any discussion with the doctors . I was proved absolutely right.
I have had it now for 2 1/2 years and the battery has 5 years of life left in it. I am very very happy with it. I personally am not excited about the new wireless function. I prefer a bit of personnel attention. CRT is proving to be much better than normal pacemakers for patients with Atrial Fibrillation , heart failure and LV cardiomyopathy, and I suspect for other irregular beats as well. But you dont get the full benefits unless you have an AV node ablation as well. That is when that type of pacemaker is allowed to get on with the job of keeping you in the land of the living.Cheers Peter

BV

by pete - 2009-12-18 04:12:55

One further note mine is of course biventricular. 2 leads one going to each ventricle. Third lead not fitted due to AF. Still have permanent AF, and therefore no synchrony between atriums and ventricles, but my heart has remodelled itself to cope with the new status quo. Results are fantastic. Cheers Peter

2 vs 3 leads

by Tracey_E - 2009-12-18 07:12:22

It's not a matter of which type you prefer, but which you need. If your doctor thinks you need CRT, then you don't want a regular 2 lead pm. A regular pm synchronizes between atria and ventricles, 3 lead (or CRT) also synchronizes between left and right ventricles.

I don't know if Medtronic makes a CRT without the ICD, but you don't want the ICD unless you need the defib function. They're considerably larger and the batteries don't last as long.

Most doctors use those three manufacturers. Do the reps come to his office for checks or does he program it himself? If the reps do it, I'd ask the nurses in the office which reps they like best and have the lowest turnover. Sometimes more than one brand will do the job, but a rep can make a huge difference. Some of them are more responsive than others and better at what they do. Medtronic and St Judes seem to have a lot more reps available than Boston because they are larger companies.

Pete, the wireless function is additional monitoring. The way I understand it, it does not replace regular checks in the office. The idea is that if you had an incident, your dr would know about it a lot faster so he could see you sooner.

Not me

by walkerd - 2009-12-18 07:12:41

no choice in mine, I thought it was whichever your cardilgist had worked with. I have a Medtronic and have had no problems with it at all, as a matter fact twice I have had an eposode and it did what it was supposed to before my defib kicked in thank god. But I suppose doctors are different, as for me I guess thats why he went to med school and I didnt, I guess if given the choice really wouldnt know what I was reading anyways so thats what he gets paid for just my two cents worth

Thanks

by realkarl - 2009-12-18 11:12:01

Thanks for your helpful replies.

Sorry for the confusing question. I didn't mean I have a choice between a PM or CRT-P. I just meant regardless of if you have a PM or CRT, were you given a choice.

I don't have AF problems, so no ablation or ICD, just the LBBB, dis-synchronous contractive pattern, and low LV function.



More

by ppt - 2009-12-18 11:12:11

As Tracey suggested add which rep is liked best by the staff once you decide the "manufacturer" of the CRT you want. The rep I "had" was awesome ..always answered questions .. always engaged in discussion of test results .. caring etc. Then he moved to Key West! The rep now is cold as ice and will not even answer questions. I have called him on it so we will see what happens next time. I simply asked him what the lower case 'a' meant on the EKG and he said "I don't have time to teach you". I responded with "It is a simple question and it can be answered while you are printing out the reports." He left the room. ARGH !#$@#$. So just be aware the rep can change.

Problems with rep

by ElectricFrank - 2009-12-19 12:12:09

The pacemaker business is highly competitive and they value their reputation. If as ppt encountered the rep is unresponsive, I suggest calling the manufacturer and letting them know. Any company can get a bummer once in a while.

There are 3 different Medtronic reps that handle our small town in the desert. As I encountered new ones I always let them know that I was impressed with the Medtronics support (a little emotional blackmail goes a long way). I then tell them I want to bring them up to date on my preferences and knowlege. So far I've had nothing to complain about with them.

frank

My Boston Scientific CRT-D Story

by Ronniecolorado - 2009-12-20 09:12:00

Best of Luck to you.

I had a Boston Scientific COGNIS...CRT-D Biventricular implanted on December 9th. I stalled for almost 3 years, before I started circling the drain and 2 EP's and my cardiologist said I needed this NOW. I guess they were right, as I was hurting and do feel better now.

I'm sure the other companies have equally great support; however, I knew I was going to receive a Boston Scientifick so prior to surgery, I hammered their customer service department daily with questions they eagerly and politely answered.
I

Happy Holidays,

Ron

I'm mad at Guidant (now Boston Scientific)

by ted - 2009-12-21 06:12:49

I still think that Guidant (name changed to Boston Scientific) should be boycotted. A few years ago the New York Times broke the story that Guidant had produced defective units that had caused a number of deaths but to maintain profits, Guidant kept quiet about the defects and did not tell our doctors or the FDA, so our doctors kept implanting defective units in unsuspecting patients. Boston Scientific bought Guidant and changed the tainted name. How do we know that we can trust these liars to tell the truth now??

St Judes

by SAl - 2009-12-29 12:12:54

I have a ST Judes two lead for almost 3 years. I play golf 3 times a week , work on the golf course & lift 38lbs buckets of golf balls. Walk with My dog a mile a day.
I feel great.
Your Doctor will know what is best for You.
Good luck................

medtronic crt-p

by complex - 2011-01-13 11:01:40

Medtronic does have a model. It is the INSYNC III. It is not wireless and can not go on the Carelink network.

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

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