Pacemaker that is implanted in the heart? What is bothering you about it?

On the other hand ......

by IAN MC - 2019-02-12 06:39:45

I hate negativity !   Instead of looking for faults why not start off with the mindset  " What do you like about your pacemaker ? "

Ian.   

what do I like about my pacemaker?

by AgentX86 - 2019-02-12 08:55:22

I'm alive and can function normally.

Sorry, I don't understand all the negative thoughts about having a pacemaker.

Nothing is bothering me

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-12 12:55:33

I've already seen huge advancements in the years I've been paced and am thrilled with where technology is now. Growing up, I was unable to be active, unable to play any sports, always tired easily. Now I do what I want and feel great. My only message to the manufacturers is THANK YOU. Current research is working on pacers that charge from our motion and they are making advances with leadless that would be available to more of us. I'm pretty excited about that because leads are the most complicated to fix when they wear out.

I know some people get wigged out by the thought of the wires in their heart, but we get over it and get on with our lives. There's nothing a manufacturer could do about that anyway.  

It's Understandable

by Grateful Heart - 2019-02-12 17:29:29

None of us wanted a device when we were told we needed one....I know I didn't.

It appears Omar is at that stage.  We've all been there.

But we are here to tell you we wouldn't still be here without one.  So even some of us who have experienced problems with our devices are grateful for the second chance.  It all depends on how you look at it....half full or half empty.  I'll take your survey.

Grateful Heart

OP - The angle we're coming from is replacement

by UCI_Student_Omar - 2019-02-13 15:48:23

As a person I too am trying to drop all the negativity in my life, and I'm getting there :) 

If all a developer hears is positivity regarding their product, they're going to go about their business as usual and I still believe there can be improvements though. What my group of fellow students and I are trying to come up with is a way to recharge the device on the inside. We are trying to prevent, or at least delay, the need of another round of invasive surgeries for people. Because as much as I wished it wasn't so, these devices cannot go on forever. 

If anyone has seen the Micra Transcatheter pacing system? While it's the least invasive of all the pacemakers, it's also the worst one regarding removal/replacement. Its the one thats placed inside the heart. When that thing dies out after 10 years, it'll require open heart surgery to deal with. Thats my dillemma :/

Omar

by IAN MC - 2019-02-13 18:09:42

I wish you and your fellow students well in your project but please don't be naive in thinking that pacemaker companies only receive positive feedback on their products.   The major manufacturers Medtronic  , Abbott ( who own St Jude ) and Boston Scientific all have sophisticated marketing operations.

They all receive continual feedback from their reps, their PM technicians and from their Market Research departments. The feedback will be positive, sometimes negative and often constructive.

A major stumbling block which you will encounter is that it is in their commercial interest to replace their units as often as possible.

Best of luck

Ian