Redo of PM

Hi, I have my pacemaker for 3 weeks and just found out that I have Pacemaker Syndrome. One of my leads has moved out of the muscle so, consequently, my pacemaker is not working and needs to be redone on Monday. The dr. said that this only happens 1% of the time and may have been caused by my chronic sneezing. He is recommending implanting a thicker lead which would be less inclined to move....HOWEVER....I could NEVER have an MRI because of the material used in this thicker lead. Anyone ever had experience with anything like this???? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

3 Comments

No MRI

by AgentX86 - 2020-02-16 00:09:17

I wouldn't much like that possibility.  There are so many diagnostics now that require an MRI that it could be a major risk to one's life to never be able to have one.  I think I'd go for a second opinion before I consented to the MRI incompatible leads.

doesn't sound right

by Tracey_E - 2020-02-16 09:08:15

I could be wrong, but I thought the MRI-safe leads were the thicker ones.

Many of us are not able to have mri's. I've been paced 25 years. The need for mri has come up a couple of times but we've found a way around it each time.  However, that's only really applicable to those of us who have been paced 10+ years. 

There are facilities that will do an mri on a pacer that is not mri-compliant.  I know more than one person who does not have leads considered mri safe but have had mri's without complication. It's been common in Europe for years and is getting more common in the US. See the article below. There are also facilities who will not do an mri on a pacer that IS mri-compliant because a protocol has to be followed and they aren't able/willing to do it so having mri-safe leads doesn't mean you can go just anywhere and have an mri. 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/mri-is-safe-for-most-people-with-pacemakers-and-defibrillators

When in doubt, get a second opinion. The important thing is to get the lead in a good position so it's pacing like it should. 

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2020-02-17 13:47:30

There are millions of paced people who cannot ever have an MRI.  CAT scans will have to do if you have older leads.  Just the price you pay for staying alive when the leads were not compliant and I'm not complaining. <sort of a spelling pun>

 

I've injured my knee and nothing showed up on the CAT scan/Xrays so its a bit frustrating but not the life threatening issue that got me a pacemaker.  Just glad to be here so many years later.

 

I do hope your re-do goes well and that you are happy with the results.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Bionic Beat

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