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Ventricular Lead is fractured...
- by pacemakermommy
- 2010-03-31 01:03:01
- Batteries & Leads
- 2867 views
- 9 comments
I have had a dual chamber pacemaker for 14 years now.I have had it replaced 3 times and now my ventricular lead is fractured..I am scared because this is my first lead replacement.Is there anyone out there who has had this done or can anyone give me advice on this procedure?Thank You so very Much in advance and I am so glad that I found this site.This is my first message:)
9 Comments
??????
by pete - 2010-03-31 03:03:53
WHICH VENTRICULAR LEAD IS BUST. LV or RV ?. Are you 100 % dependant ?
Lead fracture
by jvaltos - 2010-03-31 11:03:39
Here is my take on fractured old leads:
If the lead is old, leave it in if you are able to get a new lead without much trouble. There is really no need to take out the old leads unless you are fairly young and will need PPMs for the next 25+ years.
The lead removal should ALWAYS be performed in a high volume center. Ask how many leads the EP removes per year (less than 10, then go elsewhere). Also, make sure that there is a Cardiothoracic surgeon around at the time of lead removal. IF something bad happens then you want the surgeon there NOW.
Lead extraction is one of the most dangerous things EP doctors do. The risk of dying during the procedure is typically quoted around 1-2%.
Good Luck-If you have other questions just PM me.
Dr JV
Lead Replacement
by STennant - 2010-04-01 03:04:53
I had this procedure done at the Cleveland Clinic. They removed one and placed two in. Quick recovery.
thank you all
by pacemakermommy - 2010-04-01 04:04:35
Just want to say a quick thanks to all of you for the information...I will keep you all posted.
just did it
by Tracey_E - 2010-04-05 11:04:16
Are you my twin? :o) I got my first pm 16 yrs ago, fully dependent, and just got a new ventricular lead in January when I had my last battery change (4th). They can usually fit 3, sometimes 4, leads in one vein. Because they'd been in so long, we chose not to extract my old leads. They did a venogram first to make sure there was room to add another lead, that's just an iv with dye and they take an xray. There was room, so they simply put it in the same vein as the other leads. Other than babying the new lead for 6 weeks, it was no different than any other generator change.
If the new lead hadn't fit, we would have had to choose between extracting what's there or moving everything to the right side, but they have several ways they can do it on the left before they have to do that. Extractions are a lot more common than they were a few years ago and more drs are recommending it whether a new lead would fit or not. There are more places well qualified to do it now than even a few years ago and the technology has come a long way.
You know you're wired when...
Your favorite poem is Ode to a Cardiac Node.
Member Quotes
I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.
lead replacement
by tcrabtree85 - 2010-03-31 01:03:19
I have had it done multiple times. Lead removal is not as horrible as you might think. Do you know if they plan on removing your old lead or just placing a new one in. I would think after you having it for so long that they may just leave it and place another one.
Either way the procedure takes a little time getting the old lead out if they can't get it they will stop. I would recommend lazer if they are going to remove it. My past pacer leads were in for right at a year before needing removed. For both leads it took about 3hrs for the surgery that was just a removal so if they are placing new back in I would say anywhere from 3-6hrs.
I would ask your Dr questions what his plan is and his experiencing level at removing leads etc.
If you have any questions feel free to private message me.
Tammy