leads are poking out under the skin

will be 4 weeks post op from pacemaker placement. Last week I started gently moving my arm more and noticed that at the end where the leads were attached to the pacemaker, it was poking out and very visible during certain movements. is this normal?
I am very small framed, so I wondered if that maybe the reason it is showing through.

4 Comments

Normal for some of us

by Grateful Heart - 2016-03-08 03:03:30


We are all different. I can see and feel one or two leads and part of the device where the leads attach. I am not small framed. It used to lay flat before a lead revision so I guess it's just the way it is placed.

Grateful Heart

Leads in thin people.

by Selwyn - 2016-03-08 04:03:45

The leads can be seen in people without a fat layer under their skin. Depending on the contraction of the chest muscle, the leads may be even more visible.

If the leads are not causing pain or skin changes then that is fine.

Selwyn

visible leads

by Alma Annie - 2016-03-09 01:03:13

Hi DiannM'

My leads poke out 'mega' I am also very thin, however they were not too bad until I had a mammogram in which the tech pushed the machine hard pushing my pm and leads over to the left, causing me to yell. The leads had moved and now are somewhat uncomfortable almost under my arm. EP had a look and said everything was still working well and there was nothing to be done until battery change. In other words put up with it!!
Alma Annie

Leads, devices and small chests

by Ladyfish - 2016-03-10 08:03:58

Hi from another Dianne with a CRT-D pacer.
If you are small chested and thin then the leads or pacer may appear to be closer to the surface and sticking out. The problem is not with the pacer; but with the EP's that will NOT take this into consideration when placing the device. There are alternate locations including sub-pectoral (same place; but under the muscle) and also sub-mammary (under the breast - like an implant).

My second CRT-D was so uncomfortable that I couldn't wear a bra. Then, it started to migrate. The device would turn sideways and upside down in the pocket. My EP said, "We don't want to re-open the pocket..." I got a second and third opinion and they agreed. The leads were at risk! So, the pocket was opened, the device moved to below the muscle. The LV lead was abraded; but still patent. Good thing to get a second opinion!

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