30 year old leads

Has anyone had their leads replaced? I need to replace them because I need a MRI. I was told my by my Pacemaker tech about 10 years ago that they would heat up durning a MRI.I got a new pacer in Jan this year and it is MRI compatable. My new pacermaker tech told me that if there were placed by U of Mich (which they were) they are probably ok for a MRI. I have tried to out what model my type and model number but my new pacer card on has BSX and no model number. U of Mich has been no help. I have two questions. Is there any way I can find the model numbers of my 30 years old leads Or have them repalced with new MRI compatable leads. I would like to do this to help out with a Parkinson's study that requires two MRI.

 

4 Comments

Get your health records

by crustyg - 2024-08-28 10:45:02

In the USA and UK patients have a legal right to obtain their health records.  It's not quick but they can't refuse and the serial numbers of your leads will almost certainly have been noted there.

Lead replacement has been covered here many times.  These days it's a fairly routine, low-risk procedure as long as it's being done by a centre that does a *lot* of lead extractions.  It does have some risks which the experts are well aware of.

At least one contributor here has been able to charm their medical advisors to granting them an MRI when still fitted with unsuitable leads - and could feel the heating, apparently. A lot depends on the MRI location - skull *may* be better than cervical spine or chest.

I'm not sure I would go through lead replacement for someone's Parkinsons MRI study and certainly not with unsuitable leads.  My own health, that's different.  Life is all about choices.

old leads

by Tracey_E - 2024-08-28 13:10:29

I have 30 year old leads that are starting to fail so I am researching having them extracted. It is not easy when they are that old. I have an appointment later this week with an ep who does higher risk extractions to get his opinion if it can be done safely.

Part of why I would like to have them extracted is so that I can have an MRI, but I don't think I'd do it just so I could have an MRI. 

It is possible to have an MRI with very old leads, however there is some risk. If they heat, it can damage the heart. Also, a lot of places won't touch us so it may take some research to find a doctor and facility willing to do it. I know someone with 15 year old leads who has chronic health problems and has had multipe MRI's with no ill effects. I've discussed it with my doctor. He would authorize it, but the reason would have to be compelling because it's not without risk. 

MRI with non MRI compatible leads

by Amyelynn - 2024-08-28 17:14:49

Hi

i have 26 year old abandoned leads along with my two working leads (those are MRI comparable) the abandoned leads are not.

 

however to still had a cardiac MRI just with extra precaution taken (a cardiac nurse present) and I had to sign extra paperwork. Nothing bad happened and if you search there are more studies that show MRI does not affect non MRI safe leads.

extracting 30 year old leads is a very serious and can be high risk procedure especially if you do not find a highly skilled surgeon to do the procedure. Matter of fact you will probably have a hard time finding any doctor that will even recommend let alone agree to do the procedure. The only reason they are taking out my 26 year old abanadoned leads out now is because they caused symptomatic SVC syndrome (90% blockage at my SVC) which I got ballooned but that is only temporary fix.

i can't see them willing tk take the leads out so you can be part of a study (sorry I don't say that to be rude) just I've been through so much to be able to have these taken out and that was with major issues. 
 

good luck!

maybe find a hospital who feels confident and safe doing the MRI with the leads present. My leads are listed on my Medtronic care now but they weee not prior to my MRI however the doctors were able to find the info on the exact leads that I have in me. Believe with help from Medtronic but not positive.

 

good luck!

Amy

37 year old leads

by dwelch - 2024-09-02 22:40:55

I have 37 year old leads (oldest one in use one abandoned in place) and a 30 year old and a several year old.  My id card has the make and model and serial number of all the leads and pacer.  

This year one switched from bipolar to unipolar, but is working fine. Next pacer maybe in a few years, other than this switch over, nothing is indicating a reason to do anything prematurely.  But I think there is going to be a "talk" when we get to this next replacement.

the MRI thing has always bothered me and these decades or lets say decades ago was told no, definitely not.   my pacer is MRI safe, but cant see the leads are.  cant get the cardologist and stress test folks to talk to each other (told to show up in shorts and waling shoes, to find out they cant do a walking test has to be chemical, weeks before to day of they couldnt communicate, cant see them doing this for an MRI, YMMV).

 

 

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