Clotting due to too many wires

All,

I'm on my 3rd bi-V pacer with ICD. Recently had a blood clot due to too many wires in my SVC (3 active with the current pacer, one inactive from the first pacer). Recommendation was to remove the "dead" wire and reposition one of the others to the outside of my heart. However, my doc is wanting to avoid risk of removing dead wire (scarred into heart wall) and using blood thinner. I'm in favor of moving the wires. Thoughts?

4 Comments

Whose recommendation?

by Harrie - 2014-08-06 06:08:18

Removing wires is not a risk free procedure, particularly if they have been in place for a long time. The Heart Rhythm Society has guidelines for the procedure on its website - worth checking out. Requires a cardio-thoracic surgeon to be present in case of damage to the heart.
But also requires those undertaking the procedure to be thoroughly trained, and to have done 40 procedures under the supervision of an experienced (70 procedures from memory) surgeon.
So if you want it done, and are fully aware of the possible complications, and have weighed up the likely consequences of not having it done, get yourself a second opinion and find an experienced surgeon to do it.
I've just decided to have one of mine extracted. I'd rather have it done now while it's relatively new with less adhesions than later ( have been told I will need a new one at some point).
Another factor in my decision was that capped leads are
a contraindication for an MRI even if you have an MRI compatible device and functional leads.
Hopefully others who've had the procedure will jump in with personal experience.

thanks for the feedback

by chazzf - 2014-08-07 01:08:18

Royale,

Thx for the feedback/info. Reco was made by the hospital and docs who did the 3 venoplastys and got rid of the clot. They too spoke of the risk, but said it was manageable. Supposedly there is at least one "go to" guy in my area who has done hundreds of these. My "dead" lead is @ 10 years old.

Sounds like you're on top of it

by Harrie - 2014-08-07 06:08:09

.. If it were me I'd go for it. Good luck!

research!

by OTANGEL3 - 2014-08-16 07:08:16

I am in the same situation as I have 3 capped leads and want to remove as I am only 48. I would say do your research on your MD and know all the risks involved. Pray!

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