Perforation of Lead

Hi There,

I joined this forum to help my friend, neighbor ....my fishing buddy....to learn about his proceedure.

4 weeks ago he got a pacemaker. Was supposed to be kept overnight the take a few weeks or so to recover. Well, the perforated his heart inserting the lower lead causing blood to build up.

They were going to "go in" to repair but waited to see if bleeding would stop and the blood disapate spending a week in the hospital. They then said he could go home.

But he is having a hard time. Can do very little without feeling burning at the back of his left arm and between his shoulder blades and at times gets a pain in the middle of his chest. He then rests for a while before he can walk around.

The dr states he must give it time but he and his wife is a bit scared.

Has anyone gone through this complication?

 

3 Comments

recovery

by Tracey_E - 2016-09-06 09:53:21

I haven't been through that personally, but recoverycan take a long time and it's important that he not push too hard too soon during that time. If his symptoms get worse or don't get better, he should call his doctor and ask if they want to see him. 

Perforation

by Good Dog - 2016-09-06 10:25:17

I cannot help too much as I have not experienced this problem (thank goodness). However, I did have a colleague that had the exact same problem. She was laid-up for a few months as a result. However, she came through it, returned to excellent health and is living a completely normal life. 

It is my understanding that this problem is not that unusual (as complications go) from the standpoint that it is very difficult for the doc to secure the leads. As hard as they try, a little too much effort and it is screwed through instead of into the heart wall. 

perforation

by trish - 2016-09-06 15:20:05

I suffered perforation of right ventricle during pacemaker implant.  Had to have pericardial drain for 3 days, also had partial collapse of lung.  Recperation from these complications took several months.  Did not feel normal for a year but now am fine. Trish

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