Pacemaker Club: Spider Veins Over Scar and Leads Moving

Spider Veins Over Scar and Leads Moving

by lmljohnson
2020-12-23 01:12:02
General Posting
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2 comments

I had a CRT-D implanted mid November. In the last few weeks I noticed spider veins appearing over my scar. Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to get rid of them? They're very unattractive and I typically wear tank tops during the summer months.

The last couple days I've been having aching pains on the left side of my chest as well as some tenderness. This morning I felt the bottom edge of my implant and it feels different like one of the leads has moved and is now crossing the front of the device. Is that possible or am I worrying over nothing?

2 Comments

collateral

by PacedNRunning - 2020-12-23 02:23:56

Collateral veins develop when the flow is narrow. It becomes narrow from the leads in the vein. Our circulation compensates for the narrowing and builds veins around it. Kind of building new roads to alleviate traffic. Mine developed about 5 mos post implant. As far as tenderness, it could be if you recently did some upper body things that cause the area to get irritated. It takes a good 6-9mos to heal the surgical area. I notice when I do more upper body things, I can be sore after. As far as the lead moving. It may have. There is slack on the leads and now that the swelling has gone down you may be feeling more than you did earlier. Devices are usually sutured down along with the leads so they shouldn't' move very far.

Collaterals

by Gemita - 2020-12-23 02:43:27

I agree with PacedNRunning since I developed collateral veins also following my pacemaker implant. I have a large network of veins around my device, into left upper arm, left armpit/left breast.

In view of your symptoms though, I would recommend that you ask whether an ultrasound/other imaging could be given to rule out any blockages in your veins housing your leads. This would at least put your mind at rest and give important information too on position of your leads.

As far as getting rid of the collateral veins is concerned, they are clearly needed to keep your blood flowing. Without this collateral circulation you would be in even more trouble I suspect.