Pacemaker Migrating

I have had my pacemaker for 8 years. For the past month I have had pain in my neck and left arm/shoulder. My pacemaker seems to have moved into the left side of my chest where my collar bone meets my shoulder. When I am laying down the pacemaker seems to be hitting my collar bone. Is it possible the pacemaker has moved? Also, last time I had my pacemaker checked it said the battery had about 8 months left. Is the 8 month estimate accurate? I have heard that the battery can go from 8 months battery life to 1 month battery life in a short period of time. I have a Medtronic duel lead adapta pacemaker. I am 100% paced.

2 Comments

Pacemaker moved

by Good Dog - 2015-03-01 06:03:16

I am not a doctor, but I never heard of a pacemaker moving. Obviously, there are certain positions in which you might lay that could make it a bit uncomfortable, but I doubt it has moved.
The battery life indicator is not precise, but there are multiple safeguards to insure it is changed-out long before it loses power.

Yes, your pacemaker can migrate!

by Ladyfish - 2015-03-09 08:03:05

My second bi-ventricular pacemaker was implanted in late August 2014. By Christmas it was sideways and within weeks it was upside down. Then it moved back into a sideways position with the lead terminations pointing towards my armpit.

It would be unusual for your pacemaker to migrate outside the pocket; but, it could be near the top of your pocket which should be near your clavicle. Since you are near the end of life for the pacer I would definitely recommend consulting with your Electrophysiologist.

You may want to have the new pacer in a pectoral pocket instead of under the skin on your chest. This placement is not likely to migrate and the muscle helps hold it secure.

My new BiV was moved to a pectoral pocket last week. When they opened the old pocket they found the pacer leads were tangled and the LV lead has some abrasion; but, it tested OK. They left the leads alone; but, will continue to monitor the LV lead carefully.

Get it looked at and the sooner the better!
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