Lead defective after 9 years - Dr. wants to replace and leave old one in ?

Probably a good decision

by Protimenow - 2020-07-02 18:07:27

Admittedly, I haven't had to face this issue. My pacemaker and leads have been in me for less than two month. 

However, it's probably safe to assume that the old lead has scar tissue around it, and it's been embedded in your heart for a long time. Removing it sounds like it can cause serious problems. 

Placing a new lead is probably the easiest, and safest, way to handle your situation. 

At least, this is the way it's striking me. 

No advice -- just opinion

Normal

by AgentX86 - 2020-07-02 22:24:29

It's normal to abandon a lead in place as long as there is room in the vein.  As others have said, the lead gets "welded" into the veins and heart.  It's a major deal to pull one out.  Sometimes is necessary, though, and when it is you should go to a specialist who does this for a living.  If there is no immediate need to remove it, it's better to wait until next time you need a new lead (if you ever do).  Procedures, in this area, are constantly improving and becoming safer.  You have the opportunity to take advantage of this (and perhaps have one fewer complex procedure in your lifetime).

got one

by dwelch - 2020-07-02 22:55:21

I have a 33 year old lead that was left there 25 years ago, back then you didnt remove leads now is a different time.  But if you dont need to then you dont need to.  I just got another lead so I have a 33 year old lead I am using a 33 old lead I am not, a 25 year old lead I am using and a 3 year old lead I guess that I am using.  All four on the same side.  If that fourth one didnt fit they were going to pull the broken one or run it down the other side then tunnel across the chest.  It fit.

The broken one is capped off, no worries.  Fewer worries than going in and trying to take it out.  Yet today removing leads is a thing and even recently on this site one/some folks have had leads and whole setups removed.

Leaving a defective lead in the heart

by bikengolf - 2020-07-03 09:33:49

Thanks, all for this reassurance.  Also, thanks for taking the time to share.

same

by Tracey_E - 2020-07-03 09:34:42

Been there, done that. I had one lead that wore out, likely ruptured insulation. They cranked up the power on it to keep it pacing but that quickly drained the battery life. There was room in the vein so when they replaced the box they capped off the bad one, added a new one. That was in 2010. My other lead is still going strong. They could remove and start over but that's a much more involved surgery. If you are happy with your doctor in general, I would not bother with a second opinion. 

Leads

by Finn - 2020-07-15 13:10:25

I had my leads extracted and reolaced after 9 years.

also st Jude., ask what kind of leads were used, mine were tendril 1888 tc or it should be on your I'd card.

there are studies on these leads going early.