replacement PM/just curious

To all of those who are 100% depended on your PM and who has had the second PM (or more,) approx. how many years will they last? November 16, 2011 will be one year since my PM has been implanted. I'm really not looking forward to whenever that day comes..........but I keep on keeping on..........what's the alternative? Just curious?

6 Comments

Hi kkc915

by janetinak - 2011-11-11 01:11:48

I am 100% dependent after an AV node ablation in 2000. 1st PM only last 2.5 yrs due to problems with it (never sure if it was bad lead or pulled away from wall of ventricle). But EP got it out, put in new one with new PM & placed lead attachment in mid-line (septum) of ventricles. Anyhow that 2nd one just got replaced after 8.5 yrs. And I expect it will last as long. hah! Did you have questions about Elective Replacement time & End of Life too?

Hope that helps,

Janet

Life of pacer

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-11 01:11:48

It depends a lot on how it is programmed. In particular the pacing voltage settings have a major impact on how much current is drawn from the battery. My first one lasted about 5 yrs. with 100% ventricle pacing. I remember seeing 5-7 yrs somewhere as an estimate.

If you need a pacer then there isn't any alternatives at this point. Actually, I can't think of any alternative that would be better. Meds are much more prone to side effects. The trouble with meds is that their effects aren't limited to the heart. The pacer is much more targeted.

By the way the replacement is no big deal. Usually the same leads are used so there is little restriction in activity after the surgery except for the usual time for an incision to heal. I'd rather have a replacement even without anesthesia or sedation than have a tooth filled.

frank

100% PACED

by pete - 2011-11-11 04:11:46

This is an impossible question to answer. I worked mine out by taking the voltage and duration of each pulse to each lead and the apoproximate pacing rate of 75 beats a minute
and also allowing 50% of battery capacity to be used for housekeeping. I also needed to find out the capacity of the battery. This to my calculations came up with a life of 7.5 years . I am 100% paced to 2 ventricles. I asked the technicians how long they thought my pacemaker would last and to my astonishment they said 7.5 years. However I might get a few months more if I am lucky and a few months more if the hospital try economising by leaving me in elective replacement mode for a while ( No thanks ). So you need to gather a few facts and be capable of doing some straitforward calculations. However the technicians might decide to adjust the output to your leads during the life of your pacemaker and this could upset your calculations. Happy pacing , Pete

On my fourth PM and 100% paced

by Beckes76 - 2011-11-12 02:11:31

My 1st one lasted not quite 5 years, 2nd one last 7 1/2 years, and my 3rd one lasted 8 1/2 years. My fourth one was put in, in July 2005. I am hoping until another 2 1/2 years. But who knows. With two replacements they just went in the same incision. My 3rd replacement they moved the PM. Not a big deal to me any more.

Becky

good calcs,Pete

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-12 12:11:35

How did you find the actual capacity of the battery? Actually the easiest way is to wait for a few checkups so the adjustments and stable. Then let the pacer report remaining life base on recent history together with battery impedance. All of which is letting the pacer do the same calculations you used.

fun,

frank

Mine doesn't last long...

by DybHen - 2011-11-13 05:11:26

I have had mine 1.5 years, I am on track for a replacement in 2.5 years. They estimated 4 to 5 years on mine. I am not 100% dependent, but my settings take up a lot of battery power apparently.

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

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