Changing the atrial lead

Hello Everyone, It's been a while since I have been on the site. Hoping everyone is doing well out there in Heart Land. I wonder if anyone can help with my question. Looks like I am facing having my atrial lead changed due to immense irritation of my pericardium. Long story, brief summary. My current pacemaker was placed just over two years ago, and I have both atrial and ventricular leads though only the atrial one is being utilized to keep my own native heart rate from dropping below 45. I am otherwise healthy, a young 60, fitness teacher with no other meds or issues. Anyone out there been through the lead change lately with a 2 year old device? Thank you so much for your time and I wish everyone well. I appreciate your responses in advance.

2 Comments

Heart Land

by Grateful Heart - 2014-10-03 08:10:40


I like it!

Lead changes: Usually, they do not remove the lead but cap it off and insert another alongside the capped lead.

That's what they did with my RV lead. My device was less than 2 years old at the time.

Ask your Doctor in case they have another plan.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Grateful Heart

Thank you Grateful Heart

by skyepacer - 2014-10-06 03:10:31

Thank you for your comment....my understanding from the EP is that the lead will be removed and replaced but we didn't maybe hear all the details as I was surprised I am not sure I heard much of what he said after the word 'surgery'. Had a heart CT today and will know more later and let you know. Again, thank you. I am disheartened that there are not more folks out there who have had this happen.....

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In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.