Icd implanted underneath the skin vs subpectoral

Which is better

by doublehorn48 - 2017-05-10 12:31:52

I am left handed so 30 yrs. ago my firstpm was placed under the collarbone on my right side.  Very active and the pm slipped over to my shoulder and would have broden the skin .  My Dr. put the next one subpectoral.  Fine for years no problems.  In 2004 when the Dr. went to replace pm he suggested that pm be placed under my collarbone on the leftside.

I had no problems either way.  My quality of life hasn't differed from when I had no pm.  Except for shortness of breath when climbing stairs or the first mile when I run, the pm has never been a problem.  The better shape I'm in the less shortness of breath occurs.

Underneath skin vs subpectoral

by braveheart - 2017-05-10 14:18:54

Hi doublehorn48, 

Thank you for your reply.  You mentioned that your first PM was installed 30 years ago? Do you know what has caused your arrythmia? Do you have cardiac sarcoidosis? 

Keep well!

Braveheart

My PM is under the skin

by Shaun - 2017-05-10 16:52:58

I've had my PM nearly 3 years and I've not found that it's restricted me in any way. That said though, the shoulder has started aching recently while I'm in bed and I've noticed that the PM and wires are pushing very tightly againt the skin while I'm led on my side.

ICD placement

by islandgirl - 2017-05-10 22:07:29

I had a pm implanted for SSS just over 2 years ago.  It was placed subpect because I am very active and didn't want it to interfere with backpacking and activities.  I had to be upgraded to an ICD 7 months ago following a cardiac arrest due to ventricular tach quickly progressing to flat line and vfib.  The EP modified the pocket, moving it slightly more medially.  At first it seemed low, but the EP said it would move up as it healed, and it did!  It's subpectorally placed, recovery is supposed to be more painful and slower.  The wires were visible below my collar bone, but are not visible any more.  I assume scar tissue formed.  I had to have the ventricular lead removed and replaced for the ICD.  My ICD is MRI compatible, and my PM was also, but you can't have loose wires and have an MRI.  I've been backpacking since the ICD implant and am happy with the placement.  I also swim/snorkel, work in the yard, walk, and will add activities slowly as I get stronger.  Have just started lifting light weights, but not above my shoulders yet.  When I go back for my checkup in a few weeks, I will have EP check the lateral side of the ICD---I think it may have moved slightly laterally--but not sure.

Hope this helps.

Under the skin

by Bernie65 - 2017-05-28 13:41:39

Over two years, no problems.  Wires are visible under the skin, moreso than the ICD.

Icd wire

by braveheart - 2017-05-29 10:12:50

Bernie, 

You better have it checked as i was advised the wire can come out of skin due to skin erosion. If it happens it would lead to serious inffection. 

Sub-pectoral

by MsB - 2017-08-29 07:50:12

My ICD is sub-pectoral. It was placed about 4 months ago, and I feel like I can mostly live my life without thinking about it. I rarely notice it in my activities, and no one can see it.  I was getting sharp pains under my arm where the lateral edge is, but since I started doing upper body workouts with light weight, that's pretty much gone. That said, I do avoid things that put upward +/or lateral pressure (compression sports bras). I'm a fairly slender woman with a small ribcage and I can't imagine my ICD placed subcutaneously, but it'd probably be different on a bigger frame.