Incomplete BiV implant

Hey all,
Had a BiV ICD put in two weeks ago but the pacer for the LV could not be placed leaving me with just a defib. Anyone have this happen? Any experience with getting the LV lead in later? Doc says they can go in through the chest and fix it to the outside of the heart. Does anyone know what they call that procedure? I'm stumped about this. Right now this thing is bulging out my chest and it is starting to ache. I hope to hear some answers.
Thanks,
George in Washington

4 Comments

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by Terry - 2012-04-13 02:04:37

Ask your doctor if she/he will give you the benefit of natural, physiological pacing by puting the electrode on the His bundle as opposed to opening the chest. For more information, see

All the best to you,
Terry

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by Heidiglassmeyer - 2012-04-13 12:04:32

Hi George, sorry cant answer your question but I though I had read another member going through this exact situation. Have you tried using the search function? I don't think it was recent enough to show in the "recent messages". If I can find it I will forward to you. Hopefully someone with experience will also reply.

Take care,
Heidi

George

by KristineS5 - 2012-04-14 09:04:55

The mane of the procedure you are refering to is called Epicardial Lead Implantation. The doctor makes a small incision between your ribs just over your heart and incerts the lead to attach it to the heart muscle. I have not had this done but was close to it. I also had a Biventricular ICD placed due to a problem with my interventricular conduction. My doctor was able to place the third lead, but not in the right spot. I suffered from diaphram pacing. So the next day, my doctor went back in and pushed the lead farther about 2 inches. I would have had the procedure if she wouldn't have been able to do that. I was told it would have extended my hospital stay with an extra couple of days. I hope all things go well for you. I hope this helps.

Epicardial Lead Implantation

by marcid12 - 2012-04-20 12:04:21

My bivent was implanted August 2011. I had to go back in September 2011 for the epicardial lead implant because the vein leading to the left side of the heart was too small. The surgeon made an incision about 2 inches below the original ICD incision. He also had to reopen the original incision to gain access to the ICD. The lead was attached to the outside of the heart. I did experience significant pain when I woke but, but it was mostly due to a chest tube inserted too deeply. I spent 1 night in the ICU and 3 nights on the med/surg floor. Hope this helps a little. I'll be happy to answer any other questions you may have about the procedure.

Marci

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