medtronic surescan PM help

Don't panic....

by crustyg - 2021-05-23 14:04:24

Honestly, it's extremely difficult to pull out modern, active-fixation leads by moving your arm around before the heart-end has grown some fibrous tissue around it (which really anchors it in).

If you think about it, there has to be slack in the leads, otherwise the first relaxation of the heart after a contraction would pull the lead out.  The only way that this slack wouldn't be enough is if you managed to really pull the subclavian vein well out to the side and upwards (your leads are fixed to the tissue immediately above the point where they go into this vein) - so if you went mad and did fifty chin-ups on a bar, you *might* dislodge a lead.

Almost all of the reports here of leads 'failing' shortly after implantation are where the surgeon hasn't fixed the lead to the PM properly.... 

Not pulled

by Theknotguy - 2021-05-23 16:07:59

Crustyg is correct.  Besides, if you pulled one of the leads you'd know it.  

We got into a discussion on the forum about what it would take to pull the leads.  Consensus of opinion at the time was that you'd have to be in a serious car accident.  In which case you'd have other problems and pulled leads would not be high on the list.  

Had a security guard at the hospital where I volunteered.  He had a pacemaker and broke one of his leads bench pressing 300 pounds.  Was OK up to that limit so the leads can take a lot before they break or get pulled. Guard said he knew he was pushing the envelope.  Was more upset about having to be in the hospital overnight to make sure the new lead was working OK.  

Hope your adjustment to your pacemaker goes well.  
 

Thank you!

by twistedfigtea@gmail.com - 2021-05-23 17:06:38

Thank you Crustg and theknotguy!  I have much relieved - I guess this whole new way of life is going to take some getting used to, and trying not to overthink EVERYTHING!!