Lead retraction

Hi there , I have some very big bulging veins come up on top part of body that all my 5 pacemaker wires have caused . I'm due to go in & have 5 leads taken out & are wondering if anyone else has had this done ?
I have two x 2 of left side & one on right & was told I will be cut in all 3 places & if they can't do it that way or if there is complications they will have a heart surgeon on stand by . I'm very worried about this . My first pacemaker was inserted 22 years ago & I have one of the dodgy accufix leads & it's broken in my heart . They tried lead removal back in 2003 but couldn't get them out & I had a bad reaction & went into shock from them tugging & had massive bruises on the inside of my legs . I'm wondering if the technology to get them out is better now ?

3 Comments

Improved technology

by donr - 2013-01-09 10:01:58

Technology for removal has made quatum leaps since 2003.

there are several members who have recently had very successful extractions. They should jump into the discussion today.

They have a device not unlike the "Roto-Rooter" of plumbing fame that uses the offending leads as a guide & has a laser that cuts around the lead, thus releasing it from the wall of the vein.

It is not without risk & it is normal to hae a thoracic/heart surgeon on standby while the cardio removes the leads.

If the members w/ experience don't join in, I'll come back & give you some web references that will help you out.

Don

Would be happy to hear people's take on it all

by I hope I get this sorted - 2013-01-09 12:01:19

I will be looking forward to hear what people have to say . This is my 3rd pacemaker so I'm used to being cut open . Lol . Thank you Don

More on lead extractions

by donr - 2013-01-10 10:01:33

I see none of our local folks who have had lead extractions have jumped in.

Last summer I had an extensive list of references that I had cobbled together from Google. I went back & checked them this AM & they have changed sigificantly.

Suggest that you Google on "Pacemaker Lead Extractions" There is a pile of current material - since 2009, w/ a bunch from 2011/12. I think you will find that the science has changed dramaticaly in the last few years.

Don

You know you're wired when...

Your license plate reads “Pacer4Life”.

Member Quotes

I still feel great today and can’t stop feeling excited at my "new" life. Modern day miracles through medicine and electronic devices are amazing!