Safe mode period

My pacemaker's battery is near the end of its life. It went into safe mode mid-march 2007. I'm 100% paced also. My question is how long can my device go in safe mode? The reason I'm asking is because I'm supposed to get it replaced this week, but I have a sinus infection which might have it pushed back. So i'm a little worried.

7 Comments

Safe Mode Period

by Silversmith - 2007-04-24 03:04:37

Here is something I was told when I asked about the battery on my pacemaekr playing out. While it does not give specific amounts of time, it does imply that I have more time left with a "depleted" battery than I thought. Maybe it will give you a little peace of mind.
SS

What happens when the battery runs out?

Pacemaker batteries are designed to become depleted in a slow and predictable fashion. When the battery is low but still has significant power left, the pacemaker will still work just fine, but give indications (peculiar to each manufacturer and model) that the time for replacement is nearing. When the ERI (elective replacement interval) is reached, plans can be made for changing the battery at a date convenient for the patient and the surgeon.

Even beyond the ERI, pacemakers continue to pace for a long time, and do not simply stop emitting electrical energy suddenly or unexpectedly.

Safe Mode period

by far4u16 - 2007-04-25 07:04:06

When in ERI mode, would the heart rate drop to 65? or would it stay @ the setting it was programmed at (for example 80)

Safe Mode period

by dj_crux5503 - 2007-04-25 10:04:40

I have a Kappa 700 DR that just went into ERI mode on April 15. I am 100% paced, and have noticed a lot of shortness of breath and dizziness lately. This Tuesday (April 24) I asked the technician who performed my scheduled PM check if they could reprogram it to a higher rate, but she was "locked out" by the software. Apparently in this particular model it is not possible to reprogram the ERI rate to anything other than 65bpm. The technician told me that in some other models it is possible to override the nominal setting. I just did a search online and found this article about Medtronic ERIs. Your particular model should be listed here.

http://www.medtronic.com/crm/performance/references/replacement_indicators.html

As for your question about how long a PM can perform in safe mode, there's no simple answer. One way to find out would be to call the Medtronic 800 number and talk to a service rep. Check out this thread, previously posted.

http://www.pacemakerclub.com/public/jpage/1/p/story/a/storypage/sid/1455/content.do

According to this person, the device should last 3 months once the ERI (elective replacement indicator) has been triggered. But that's just hearsay - it obviously depends on the voltage, rate, etc.

Best of luck - I can't wait to get mine done next Thursday and get back to regular life :)

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

by Timothy - 2007-04-26 11:04:22

Just recently my pacer tech told me that my pacer is depleting to the point that my doctor will most likely be replacing it in 3 to 6 months. I am totally dependent. Thankfully, my doctor is known for being aggressive.
far4u, you may want to talk to your doctor to see what plan is for you. My understanding is that the replacement takes place well before battery is to a point that the patient is at risk.

Timothy

walk me through

by far4u16 - 2007-04-30 02:04:09

also if someone can walk me through what would happen the day of the surgery, i'd really appreciate it, i barely remember anything from the first time i got the device.. iwas 12, now 20.. don't remember much. I was told the operation would take about 1 hour, since no leads are being replaced.

go under stress-free?

by far4u16 - 2007-04-30 02:04:25

I have a Kappa 700DR mine went into ERI mid-march around 13th or 14th (don't remember exact date) and pretty much same thing happened, doc couldn't reprogram the pacer. mine is epicardial btw. I'll admit i'm afraid of going under the knife, mainly becuzz of the anesthesia, so I dunno... anyway I can go through all this stress-free? and dj_crux thanks 4 the info and silversmith too , i didn't know it was called ERI. I'm glad I found this website

battery time

by dual pacer - 2008-03-07 03:03:40

Hi I have a Metronic pm since 97. they tell me my battery is getting low. The dr. and tech assure me there is @ least 3months leway to get it replaced. I am 100% depended. I hope this helps. good luck

You know you're wired when...

You’re officially battery-operated.

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