Medtronic

I have a Medtronic bi-ventricular pacer for viral cardiomyopathy. Last check showed my batteries at 1.8. Does anyone know what that means? When
I asked the tech, she skittered around the issue. Also, what are the symptoms that the battery is gone? Thanks, Diane

7 Comments

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by PacerRep - 2013-10-02 08:10:40

Basically you will feel how you felt before the device was implanted, you may not notice, but if your HR bottoms out you will know it.

The battery is the first thing we look at when we interrogate a device, as long as your going for your regular check's it won't be an issue

PM Battery Replacement Time

by SMITTY - 2013-10-02 09:10:10

Hello Diane@1,

The 1.8 number, if that is remaining battery power sounds pretty low, but it could jut as well be the estimate of 1.8 years remaining battery service before replacement will be necessary. Different people and different pacemakers can give different symptoms when the battery runs down. Since it sounds like the tech didn't know what they were reporting, which would not be uncommon, I'm going to guess it is the years remaining.

Below is something I wrote based on my experience when the battery on my Medtronic had to be replaced. If you are concerned about the battery life and what will happen, this may help you. Fortunately for me I had learned of these symptoms before my time for replacement got here.

When the battery power reaches a certain level known as EOL (End of Life) or the PM goes into ERM (Elective Replacement Mode) or called a VVI (I don't know what that one stands for) there is enough battery power left to safely operate the PM for at least three months.

You will know when the EOL, ERM, or VVI level of battery power is reached as the PM shifts from being an on demand PM to a full time PM. As a full time PM it will make your heart beat at a constant 65 BPM, regardless of the low setting may have. When this happened to mine I knew it without a doubt. The low setting on mine was 80 and one morning I got up with a constant heart rate of 65 with a some irregular beats thrown in for good measure. It got my attention immediately.

As I said, fortunately for me I had read what would happen when the battery reaches EOL, ERM or VVI. While it was not painful, it was very uncomfortable, enough so to cause me to call the dr. office ASAP. I was told to it was probably a low battery and to come in for a checkup. The low battery was confirmed and I was scheduled for a new PM the next day.

The thing is, don't be concerned about being left without a working PM because of a dead battery. Our PMs have enough safety features built in them we will not be left out in the cold without any warning the battery has reached the end of its life.

Good luck,

Smitty


Smitty

by Diane@1 - 2013-10-02 09:10:31

It just seems like I am getting more fatigued. Some times I get a very uncomfortable feeling in my chest, but then after awhile it goes away. I go for my 6mo check up in Nov. I didn't know what to expect when the battery was gone. Thank you so much for the information. I won't worry so much now that I know what will happen. My device is working all the time as it is helping the squeezing function of my heart, My EF was at 20 when the device was implanted and now it is 35-40. Thank you, Diane

1.8 what?

by PacerRep - 2013-10-02 11:10:22

1.8Volts? years? Which medtronic BiV do you have.

It's probably years

by PacerRep - 2013-10-02 12:10:07

1.8Volts would be too low. When was it implanted? they usually last 4-6 years

BiV

by Diane@1 - 2013-10-02 12:10:08

The model #D274TRK. The 1.8 was the battery life remaining. I asked the tech was that months left or something else, but she wouldn't answer.

Symptoms

by Diane@1 - 2013-10-02 12:10:49

Implanted on 2/8/2010. Do you know what the symptoms will be when the battery is gone?

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

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