Trapped lead extraction

Hi and Happy New Year to all...has anyone had a trapped lead removed from heart?. I had one removed two and a half years ago and I'm still anxious about my leads becoming displaced again, it was a very scary experience. I had the most fantastic treatment and the hospital and surgeons involved were the best in Europe but I really have never been the same since, always afraid of it happening again. Any feedback appreciated

4 Comments

fear

by Birdonawire - 2017-01-03 23:15:39

thank you for that, I hope I become as brave as you 

best wishes

Leads out.....

by Tattoo Man1 - 2017-01-06 11:49:17

Hi Birdonawire....a while back I had my entire rig taken out as a consequence of lead infection.

Now it seems to be universally accepted that infected leads can NOT be treated with antibiotics..so out they must go.

I was really unhappy about this proceedure being carried out with 'only' sedation..my first implant took four hours and basically I was concious and scared  s******s.

 

My Surgeon agreed that my proceedure, that would involve a complete LH rip-out and new RH rig would take so long that he was happy for me to have a general anaesthetic...Result..one happy Tattoo Man.

Now, whilst understanding that this comment does not necessarily answer your question per se ...my point is directed to anyone that is facing lead extraction with trepidation....amongst PM People there are The Brave and The Terrified and everyone in between....

Very simply ,..no-one need suffer needlessly..its your body and any half decent surgeon really does'nt need a scared patient.

Just a point, and as ever here on PMC...an entirely personal one.

Advice with new leads..??.....just follow the time-honoured practice regarding stretching etc...the vast majority go just fine...some people get unlucky regardless of taking care.

All the best

Tattoo Man

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatto Man-PM Taken Out?

by MaryVan - 2017-01-22 02:23:42

Okay, Tatto Man, are you saying that you had your PM taken out because of lead infection? Did you get a new PM? Were you allergic to the PM or the leads? What happened in lay terms? How does a lead get infected? Loose, I can understand.

My surgery was 12/12/16, and the incision is sealed and pinkish. But around my incision, it has become pink/reddish and tender in a couple of areas, as if it is infected. My other thought-and it is scary- is that I am actually allergic to the PM. I have an appointment with the NP who checks the unit on Monday, 1/23. 

 I am a little concerned now. I know. Take a breath and relax.  Feedback is appreciated.

Hi MaryVan......

by Tattoo Man1 - 2017-01-24 12:40:34

.......it was just as I described.  My 'box' had become a bit wayward and was threatening to break out through my skin so my Surgeon went in to fix it in more securely but at the same time found the infection...he replaced the 'box' and packed in antibiotic wadding to get me stable.  I was then rescheduled a few weeks late for the LH Box removal and an RH Box installation ..sutured in so that it could not break free especially during running.  This has been all just fine ..I got my new 'Box' on the 17th Jan 2013 and I get on really well with it.

Box No1 was a Sorin..No2 is a St Judes....no idea why a different one...dont really care..it works and is unobtrusive.

No idea how No1 became infected..??? something to do with it being 'unfettered'...??..dont know.

Let PMC know how it went with your NP yesterday.

All the best..Tattoo Man

 

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

I am a competitive cyclist with a pacemaker!