New Brand of CRT

I saw my EP today for my annual checkup. My current CRT has 10 - 13 months of battery life remaining (Medtronics). He wants me to check back in 9 months to see what the battery life is. He is concerned that because of my age (49) I will go through a lot of battery changes. I'm on my 2nd CRT. Got 4 years out of the 1st one. Thought I would have this one changed this month but they say it may last another year. He is considering changing my CRT from Medtronics to a Boston CRT which he says has a longer battery life. He said there are lots of strides in the industry so that may change. Just wondering if anyone else has a "Boston" model CRT and if they have had any problems. Any info would be appreciated.

4 Comments

Tale of Caution

by CincyGirl - 2014-07-30 10:07:27

Yes, I guess you have to be careful about taking advice when you don't know their credentials. I thank you for your advice. I tried to do a quick search on the Boston model but didn't have time to dig deeper into it. Additionally, my EP says that he'll be better able to choose a device when we get closer to the date when I need a new device. In the meantime I will learn all I can. Especially from my new friends here!

Boston CRT-D

by Grateful Heart - 2014-07-31 01:07:55


I have a Boston Scientific CRT-D. I have also read that it has a good battery life but I can only tell you about my experience.

I have my device 5 1/2 years and my Cardio sent me to see my EP a few months ago for some adjustments. The interrogation showed (as have others) that I have 5 more years left on the battery. My EP asked me TWICE if this was the original generator. He was surprised since I am paced almost 100%....100% in ventricles and 97% in the atria. I told him I was going to shoot for 15 years. :-)

I believe the Doctors usually choose the device to fit your hearts condition and needs. It sounds like your Doc is weighing the options and is on top of it for you.....sounds like a keeper.

So in my case, this BS CRT has a great battery life so far.... or maybe I have a dud whose battery level moves very slowly. Hmmm

Grateful Heart

Thanks Grateful Heart

by CincyGirl - 2014-07-31 10:07:50

Thanks for the comments Grateful Heart. I can only hope that I too will someday have a CRT that will, after 5 1/2 years, still have 5 years to go. I don't know how much I'm being paced (never thought to ask that question but I will now). That would be awesome! Much better than thinking that every 4-5 years I'm going to have to undergo surgery for a replacement. Fingers are crossed!

Medtronic crt

by skaggsoak - 2014-08-12 02:08:37

Last week had new Medtronic crt implant and they said 4 to 5 years is all would last. I'm 100%paced. I would guess if they changed brands they would to change leads. Maybe why they not encourage changing.
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