Any new thoughts on devices?

Hi All,

I'm about to go in for an ICD and my doc has said that I can chose the device I'd like. Having done a lot of reading, I'm reluctant to go with St. Jude's due to the poor response to their recall. I'm deciding between Medtronic and Boston Sc, but I can't tell if Boston Sc is just good marketing or do they really have a better device (battery life, smaller etc). There are a lot of posts on this forum board, but they are mainly from 2012, so curious if there is some updated thinking on the devices. Thanks in advance!!

Marc

4 Comments

Hmmmm

by Theknotguy - 2014-11-19 03:11:55

I think we all get attached (no pun intended) to our heart devices. I have Medtronic (not an ICD) and would be reluctant to go with something else.

Another question is if you have a secondary issue such as afib. The PM side that would best address that issue might be a good choice.

You could also contact your medical insurance and see if they have suggestions. I'm thinking they won't but it would be another avenue to try.

After that, I'd go with whatever your EP suggests.

Hope everything turns out OK.

Worth thinking about SJ

by marcr69 - 2014-11-19 06:11:57

Robo Pop - interesting that earlier today, after writing this post, I got a call from an EP doc who also said that SJ is his favorite (he does about 10k implantations a year at his hospital) and that after all the problems they had, they have really turned things around. Is making me take a second look.

Theknotguy - I'm getting the device due to a V-Tac condition and possibility of SCD/SCA. Polling folks as I'm lost as I'm fairly new to issues of the heart.

Still interested in hearing from others - Thanks all!

Well, since you asked...

by Grateful Heart - 2014-11-19 08:11:35


I have a Boston Scientific....a CRT-D which has lasted 6 years so far.

The last time I saw my EP for adjustments, he asked me twice if this was the original generator that he installed. He was surprised it lasted this long and shows 4 more years left (so far). I've been told CRT/ ICD's tend to use battery life up faster.

I think we'll partial to what we are used to, like most things.

So now that we've confused you, I would speak to your Doctor about choices. I didn't have a choice....I guess that's easier.

Good luck,

Grateful Heart

Dual Monitoring

by casmered - 2014-11-26 12:11:45

Being fairly young and active, I was directed towards a Boston Scientific because of the dual monitoring, vibration and breathing impedance. Said that the two together offer better function when being active depending on your activities I guess.

Had an adjustment last week by another companies tech (office rotates techs through and they cover each other's products - is this normal?) and he reiterated he would go with BS as well if he needed one for this reason.

I don't know all the different conditions and how they may impact your choice. I'm 3rd degree block, so that may have also affected my options.

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

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