What's the Difference?

Does anyone know if there are major differences between the available ICDs?

When I ask my EP the answer suggests that there is no significant distinguishing factor between a St. Jude and a Medtronic ICD.

It would appear that they implant whatever is in stock.

3 Comments

Funny you mentioned this

by pacerpaul - 2010-11-09 01:11:12

So I have always wonder this very thing. For some reason, I have this picture where the docs pull out a box of Pacers/ICDs and rummage through them picking the one they think would look good in you...lol

Anyway, during a visit to my EP doc last week I asked hiim if there were differences and how they decided which one to use. He looked up my records and said "Oh you have a St Jude. A great device!" Then I started thinking - well of course he'd say that. It's not like he's going to say "Uh oh, you got the crappy pacemaker." ; - /

All kidding aside, he made it sound like they rotate between the companies based on cost, hospital, etc. I hope that means there isn't really any difference but I never did get that answer. I'd be curious to hear what others have to say on this.

Paul

comparison

by sugar - 2010-11-10 08:11:56

It seems my dr. only uses the Medtronic because he said it was the very best - state of the art - yada, yada. I would also think your needs dictate what you need. A person from Medtronics is always in surgery and making sure things are going along smoothly and all parts are set correctly. I have also had Medtronics with me during 2 of my checkups and they are full of information to answer questions. Since this is my first pacemaker, I don't know what others offer. I am on Nov. 24th one yr. out. Doing much better now - it takes a long time to get used to having this thing.
Be well, Patty

Differences

by Juan - 2010-11-10 12:11:43

There is a big difference in the various brands of pacemakers and defibrillators. You will find it all in the way they spell the names of their devices.

Just how much better one brand is than the other will depend entirely on the doctor that does the implant and follow up with emphasis on follow up.

You know you're wired when...

You read consumer reports before upgrading to a new model.

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