ICD types

No brainer

by Cabg Patch - 2017-03-20 11:58:59

Go for the Medtronics. The most common US device in use and little problem getting help anywhere in the world in an emergency. 

ICD types

by Bearclaw - 2017-03-20 16:47:32

Thank you Cabg, I appreciate your comment. 

ICD

by islandgirl - 2017-03-21 00:35:08

I have a Medtronic MRI compatible ICD I received after a sudden cardiac arrest due to hereditary arrhythmias.  It replaced an MRI compatible PM for SSS.  Mine is implanted subpectoral as I am very active.  I have Carelink and just travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia and the Carelink transmitted over there as well.

Good luck!

Thank you Island Girl

by Bearclaw - 2017-03-21 09:36:49

For the comments, so far it seems to be Medtronic. I have a few more (pretty basic I am sure) questions. I am assuming that "interrogation" means downloading your information into their computer and Carelink is a program to do so. Does this require a landline for this? or do I have to attend at a hospital?

I was told that there is a higher chance of the ICD misfiring or having other mechanical complicaitons (whatever they are) when it is implanted for arythmias than for other reasons.  What does it feel like if it misfires? What happens if you are driving and that happens?

Care link device

by Kate1924 - 2017-03-22 17:53:38

I had my Medtronic ICD for seven years and was given a care link monitor by dr's office that was placed within 10 ft of my bed and was plugged into my phone line.  It automatically did its transmitting stuff while I was sleeping unawares. However I stopped my landline 4-5 years ago and for several years went to friends houses to use their landlines. I think it was last year that they sent me a wireless device that I used in conjunction with the original thing. In February I had a device change and now have a biventricular pacer/defibrillator and a new smaller box to take the place of the other thing that sat on the nightstand. So you don't have to have a landline, at least where I live (Indiana).  My problem is arrhythmia too and mine has never misfired. 

Reading the stories and comments on here have helped me realize that I'm not alone with my heart problem, and how very blessed we all are to have this technology to help us live longer valuable lives. Each change we go through takes some getting used to and then we "just keep truckin' "  

Care Link

by islandgirl - 2017-03-23 10:53:46

I don't have a landline---it uses cell signal.  It works all over the world where there's a cell signal.  No cost for use.  My EP told me soon there will be a app for the smart phone and I won't need the Care Link device.  

Mine is programmed to send data between midnight and 4 am.  My EP just had me come in for testing as it had alerted him about a problem.  I'm 2 hours from my EP, so it makes it very convenient.  

Care Link and types of ICDs

by Bearclaw - 2017-03-23 21:13:41

Thank you Island Girl, I checked into the Carelink and I will be getting that as well and it will use a transmitter. I look forward to the smartphone app. Can you please let me know when you get it and I will bug my EP for the same thing.

I have also been thinking about something else.  Men and women are made differently, their chest walls are different sizes etc. Are any of these ICDs made for women and men? Or does "one size fit all?" - I know that up until a few years ago - men were the focus of clinical trials on prosthetic knees and all knees were made to fit the male knee. Women had to wear knees that were made for men and they were uncomfortable.  Has anyone ever heard of gender differences in ICDs?

Icd

by Jax - 2017-03-30 21:37:45

i have a pm for 5 yrs now and at a check up today I'm told that I had a 3 second episode of a fast hb starting in the ventricles.   I'm going for an echo and stress test and  I'm not happy.  I don't know much about icds but I may be finding out soon enough.  It helped me to know I am not alone.   Thanks for your post.  

ICD

by Bearclaw - 2017-03-31 13:26:18

Hi Jax, yes, I can imagine you are not happy, I am not happy either and quite frankly am terrified - but I don't know if I am terrified with getting the ICD or not getting the ICD - it does help to talk to other people on here who help with an attitude adjustment. I really do think we are lucky we have the option and as the days count down for me - I and sure I will be fine when it happens. As Katy (above said) we adjust and just keep on truckin.

Also Island Girl and others, has your ICD every misfired?  What does it feel lik eif it does and what happens if you are driving? I was told that my chances of it misfioring when it is implanted for an arrythina is 10-15% whereas when it is implanted for other reasons, there is a 5-10% chance.

I asked the medtronics people about the gender specific questions I had and here is what they said:

Our ICDs are gender agnostic implants, however are programmed to function according to each individual's specific medical condition. This is decided by your treating physician and their team prior to your implantation.

ICD

by bronsapil - 2018-01-04 16:21:43

Hello, I think, the best choice is the S-ICD (if you dont need PM or ATP /anti-tachycardia-pacing/),because the lead is not in your vein and heart, and its change will be easier later.I'm hungarian doctor, I also have HCM, I had a normal ICD, after nine years one of the leads which is in the right ventriculi broke, and I got a shock because of this. Two weeks ago I had lead extraction, my next device is going to be a S-ICD.