2 Fractured Leads

Today, I was told I have 2 fractured leads. I had my ICD implant in 2009 and just had the generator replaced in Nov 2015.
I had Rotator Cuff surgery about a month ago on my left shoulder, the same side as my ICD implant. My cardiologist suspects that's how the leads got broken - during that procedure. I see the Cardiac Electrophysiologist in a week.to see how to fix this. I was told this is a big problem to handle and that there are high risks involved.
How serious are broken leads? I wasn't aware that this could even happen!! I'm so upset/scared/worried!!! Anyone facing same situation?

2 Comments

lead extraction

by Tracey_E - 2016-05-04 01:05:42

It has come a long way in the last few years and while still higher risk than a simple replacement, it's not the high risk procedure it used to be and we've had a lot of members come through it just fine. The key is getting someone who specializes in it, a surgeon who does at least 100 per year. If your doc does fewer than that, ask for a referral and be willing to travel.

Fractured Leads

by Good Dog - 2016-05-04 10:05:53

You should not be so worried. I think that when they told you that it is a big problem with high risks they simply meant that the risks are a little higher than a simple generator change. A relative term. I assume they plan on extracting the leads, although they may not need to. It is possible to leave the old leads in-place and just insert new ones. You should ask about that possibility. I have an extra lead, because they needed to replace one of mine. There are lots of folks that have 2 extra leads due to the need to replace 2 leads.
If they need to extract the old leads the risks are only very slightly higher than simply changing the generator and inserting new leads. The risk is not that high. They have been extracting leads for so many years now that it is becoming a very common procedure.
The one thing you should do is ask who is removing the leads and be sure that whoever it is has done at least 100 of these procedures previously. The point is just to be sure you have a doc with lots of experience.
There are lots of folks that have posted here that have had this procedure done without incident.
If they leave the leads in-place or remove them you should be fine.
I wish you the very best.
Sincerely,
David

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