Source to learn inner workings of PM?

Hi. I've had my Sorin Reply DR for about 5 weeks now (my first PM, for VVS and Bradycardia). I would like to understand all the programmable options, settings, voltages, numbers, etc.

I have a copy of the implant manual, but so far, it is like reading Greek. It's obviously meant for doctors, not patients. I'd love to understand what it says, which programmable settings make sense for me, typical voltages and ranges, etc.

Can anyone point me to a resource that helps to clearly explain this stuff for new PM recipients? I'd also like to understand the basics of how to read an EKG and what the important markers are.

My next visit to the cardiologist is in 6 weeks, and I will ask for any printouts and data that is downloaded from my PM.

Thanks,
Lou

9 Comments

PacerICD.com

by PacerRep - 2013-09-25 03:09:57

The IBHRE is an internationally recognized exam to prove your proficiency in pacing and peripheral things around pacing. That site helps you prepare for the exam and can find some nitty gritty stuff on there.

Some good information on this website. Unfortunately your asking us to cram years and years of school and experience into a post on this site...just not realistic. There are EKG classes you can take at almost any college if you really want to learn more. But if you just want to understand basic rhythms, there is a fun interactive game called the 6 second ecg. You can start here

http://www.skillstat.com/tools/ecg-simulator#/-home

Good first book

by PacerRep - 2013-09-25 09:09:59

Another good first book is called "Rapid interpretaions of EKG's"

It's a bright orange book by Dale Dubin

great book

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-25 11:09:14

If you click on AFFILIATES on the upper left and scroll down, one of our members Jo Ann, has written manuals for several manufacturers and wrote a book. I've heard Jo Ann speak, she's wonderful so I recommend her book.

Thanks

by lbdina - 2013-09-26 09:09:29

Thanks for the posts and recommendations. I'll buy both books referenced above. I also checked out the skillstat site and I enjoyed the simulator showing many different heart rhythms. That, and other research, will get me started on the path to learning.

I also plan to have a long talk about the inner workings and settings of my PM during my next cardiologist appt. I'll take as much time as they will give me. Perhaps they can point me to some resources or manuals that go into the individual settings, typical voltages, amperages, etc, for each function. I'll also ask for printouts of what my PM has been doing, how it is programmed, etc.

Thanks again.

Lou

Thanks again!

by lbdina - 2013-09-26 10:09:04

Good idea...I have the business card and phone number of the pacer rep and will interrogate him first. I will also check out the Tom Kenny pacemaker book. The basic "nuts & bolts" is what I am after. I'm not looking to achieve expert level, I just want a good understanding. It's the engineer in me...can't help myself. :O)

Lol

by PacerRep - 2013-09-26 10:09:15

I assumed you were an ENG lol. Tom Kenny's book are the best books in the business for a beginner. I learned the business directly under this man. I love that guy.

In pacing there is a phenomenon known as the 5 degree's of Kenny. Take any pacemaker rep in the world...anywhere, and their learning is directly linked back to Tom Kenny through no more than 5 people.

Best of luck

by PacerRep - 2013-09-26 10:09:38

I would recommend asking the rep as many questions as possible before the doctor, it will save him some time. Many cardiologists don't have time to spend an hour talking about pacemakers..and of coarse you can always ask around here.

If you are seriously interested in learning about pacemakers...after you read Dubin's book. The famous Tom Kenny has a series of books he wrote about pacing that are easy to understand before you jump into Ellenbogen's books. Tom's books are called "The nuts and bolts" series...there are several of them, start with the pacemaker.

Lol

by PacerRep - 2013-09-26 10:09:41

IDK if it applies to his books or not, but it should! He actually teaches pacing classes, The 5 degrees applies to hands on learning. I train some of our companies new hires so they are 3rd degree. Kenny is a bad Grandfather, he never calls his grandbabies!!! haha

I'll be a 2nd degree!

by lbdina - 2013-09-26 10:09:50

I guess that will make me a 2nd degree Kenny! Look forward to reading it.

By the time I'm done, I'll be a royal pain in the butt to my cardiologist! It's the curse that comes with being an engineer. Hahaha

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