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battery replacement
- by skwimgal
- 2008-04-28 02:04:55
- General Posting
- 3446 views
- 6 comments
Have had my pacemaker since 2001. I am due soon for a battery replacement. Does this take a stay in the hospital. Would appreciate info from others. The pacer is working fine!
skwimgal
6 Comments
Bttery Replacement
by Silversmith - 2008-04-28 06:04:17
Getting A PM Battery Replacement
Your implanted heart device is powered by a lithium battery. This battery is sealed inside the titanium case of your heart device. Eventually, when the battery power is low, your heart device will need to be replaced. Howlong the battery will last depends on many factors, including how often your heart device provides therapy to your heart. Generally, the average Medtronic device battery lasts four to seven years after implant. A heart device replacement procedure is typically easier and quicker than the initial implant procedure. Your doctor makes a new incision, removes the current heart device, and checks the leads.
Your implanted leads may be used with your new heart device if they are still in good working condition. If not, your doctor will implant new leads. The leads are connected to your new heart device, and the heart device is tested and usually implanted in the same place as your first heart device. Then the doctor closes the incision and sets the features of your new heart device. Talk with your doctor for specific information recovery time.
replacement
by Elizabeth4 - 2008-04-28 06:04:48
The generator change is really quite simple, except that there is a new incision where the generator is removed and the new one is put in--obviously. It is done under local, and conscious sedation at most places. The generator is unscrewed from the leads, a new generator is placed and you are stitched back up. The pacer rep is present during the procedure and makes sure everything is working well before you are released from the operating room/cath lab. The whole procedure is rather quick and shouldn't require an overnight stay unless you are receiving antibiotics or do not come out of sedation well. The recovery is not as long as the initial procedure unless you have to have a lead replaced. Good luck!
easier than the initial implant but FYI
by diacat - 2008-04-29 10:04:45
I was told the new device more than likely would be smaller and it was so I assumed it would be less noticable but the reverse happened . I was so worried about the stitches breaking because it seemed to almost pushing to get out. I could clearly feel it - I was a mess(mentally) and the bulge on my chest was much bigger than the first time. I decided to have it checked at a couple chiropactic clinics because I wanted second or 3rd opion . They said somestimes this happens but it looked safe enough and it would take a few months to go down but they all looked and sounded unconvincing to me . It finally did go down and it isn't so bad now. It took a good 6 months. . It was explained to me that the pocket for the new pm was large because the first pm was bigger ,which meant they had to stich up inside to make the space smaller for the new device. Those stiches combined with body tissue are wahat was cause the pm to stick out more at the beginning . Next time I think I will ask for the new one to go on the opposite side.
another thanks about my concerns..
by skwimgal - 2008-06-16 06:06:59
re read some of your inputs about battery replacement. Great site!!!!
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Device replacement
by johnc_19 - 2008-04-28 04:04:22
Unless things have changed, batteries are not replaced, per se. Devices are replaced. You will have a similar surgery as you had at the time of the initial implant, except the leads will remain intact and the device will be removed and replaced. This will probably be 1-2 nights in a hospital.
A primary risk of these procedures is infection. Chest / pubic hair will be removed prior to the procedure and this is something you could do yourself prior to arriving at the hospital if you care to do so.
Best wishes.