Lead Extraction

Im scheduled for lead extraction and replacement of pacemaker/leads later this month. The leads are original ( 20yo) and this will be my 3rd generator.
Ive done a search here and it seems that a number of people have had the extraction procedure. I was wondering what the post operative recovery was like in terms or going back to work and activities. The generator exchange was a breeze and I went to work the next day. I hope the extraction is the same.
Thanks.

9 Comments

Caution

by Artist - 2015-03-02 01:03:32

If the extraction also involves insertion of new leads you will have movement and weight lifting restrictions for about 30 days. It takes approximately 3 months for the leads to finish forming the scar tissue that helps bind them to the heart walls. It is important to comply with post surgical instructions, usually no lifting of over 10 lbs during weeks 1-2 and nothing over 20 lbs. during weeks 3-4. No lifting of your PM side arm above shoulder level or reaching behind your back for 30 days. Instructions vary a little between doctors. The decision of when to go back to work depends on the type of activities you have to do. lead replacement is a more sensitive situation than a generator/PM replacement using the same pocket and existing leads. Hope this info. helps.

Lead Extraction

by mango-gardener - 2015-03-02 01:03:38

1st lead cracked 10 yo and was turned off - 2nd lead now bad and the pacemaker battery is low. I'm young so it was advised by 2 cardiologists that its best to remove the lead now.
After the procedure, Ill report back for you. I hope its no worse than the generator replacement. I am going on a trip 2 days after...

returning to work

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-02 02:03:43

You will have arm and lifting restrictions like the first time. Pain should be more like the replacements as long as they are using the same pocket. Good luck!!

Excellent stats on your surgeon. May I ask who will be doing it? You can send it via private message if you don't want to say publicly.

Lead Extraction

by mango-gardener - 2015-03-02 02:03:48

My job doesn't involve anything strenuous so I think it will be ok. Ill be on vacation for the week following. The EP Doc has done close to 1000 of these extractions and hasn't had any significant complications. I hope Im not the first.

Lead extraction

by Good Dog - 2015-03-02 12:03:29

I am sorry, but cannot comment on the lead extraction. I have a 28 year old lead and just wondering why you are having yours replaced? Is it elective or is it a medical necessity?
I also would like to know what the recovery is like in the event I need an extraction?
Thanks!
David

Lead Extraction

by mango-gardener - 2015-03-04 09:03:57

I made the mistake of looking up the risks of the procedure. At least the percentages are small...

If you didn't like the numbers....

by donr - 2015-03-04 11:03:41

.....for a lead extraction, DO NOT look up the same numbers for an appendectomy! You will definitely not like them.

Donr

Numbers

by mango-gardener - 2015-03-05 09:03:57

The complications associated with appendectomy are mainly infectious, anesthesia related and gastrointestinal so death from the procedure itself is exceedingly rare. The complication from lead extraction are often devastating and require emergent thoracotomy. It is apples and oranges. I work in the medical field ( nothing to do with Cardiology) so unfortunately, I know too much. I purposely have not researched anything to do with Pacemakers - but now , with the more complicated surgery ahead, I made the mistake of doing so.
My leads are 20yo so I know removing them has risks... on the other hand leaving them in and adding new leads make future extraction even more hazardous. And I'm young so extraction is the right thing to do and I have confidence that all will go well; just naturally scared. I also have confidence in my EP doctor and he takes every precaution, in fact he has his own hybrid OR suite with a cardiothoracic surgeon on standby.
This forum is very helpful and reassuring btw. :)

Doesn't matter what you die from...

by donr - 2015-03-09 12:03:37

...you are still dead.

Granted, the average appendix surgery patient already has an infection & the complications are considerably different from those of a lead extraction. But look at the bottom line for how the patient starts the initial crawl onto the OR table. Turns out that an appendectomy total risk is on a par w/ the extraction. UNLESS you go to a major teaching hosp, then they exceed the mortality rate for the extraction.

Kinda surprised me. Makes you stop & think.

Donr

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