Anyone has done pacemaker revision in UCSF

My father is trying to set up an appointment for pacemaker lead revision consultation in UCSF.  I was told there is no physician doing this procedure in UCSF and they have a provider from Veteran Hospital coming one day in a month to do surgery. I would like to know if anyone experience similiar situation that the provider works in a hospital that you can not become a patient of and any drawback of this situation? Also I can not believe the physicians from such a big hospital does not deal with this procedure. Is this because not many people doing this procedure?

6 Comments

revision

by Tracey_E - 2024-09-22 10:47:29

When you say revision, do you mean they are moving a current lead, adding a lead or extracting a lead? If they are extracting, that is done by specialists, which is absolutely the only way you want to do it. You want someone who has done hundreds of them. It is not uncommon to travel to have it done so someone coming in once a month does not surprise me. 

VA providers

by Rch - 2024-09-22 14:48:23

Most VA medical centers are university affiliated,and the clinical staff at the VA is usually on the faculty at the University as well. Perhaps the specialist doing the revisions mostly works at the VA where there is a large population of PM patients. Nonetheless, you would definitely want to talk to the specialist at your pre-op visit,and feel comfortable. You wouldn't want some one to drop in on the surgery day while your dad is being hooked up to IVs and monitotrs, introducinng himself as your dad is being wheeled to the OR. Unfortunately, this is what happens most of the time! Just giving you heads up!   

Old patient of UCSF

by Amyelynn - 2024-09-23 01:47:48

I don't want to upset you but I have had just mainly bad experiences at UCSF. I got new pacemaker places by Dr Byron Lee (he was there lead extraction specialist) he was supposed to extract my leads. However at my second appointment he said he changed his mind. Without going into detail I did not love my experience at UCSF with Dr Lee nor most of the staff.

i am no going to La at Cedaf Sinai for road extraction and new generator/lead placement come November. Dr Raymond Schaerf will be doing my procedure.

Not sure exactly what you mean by lead revision? Is the lead going to be moved for better connection? How old is the lead? Or is the lead going to be extracted and new one placed?

I wish your dad the best of luck. I'd do thorough research on said surgeon prior to procedure and maybe look to getting second opinion especially if you don't feel comfortable.

 

Lead revision

by smopace - 2024-09-23 02:49:00

It is to leave the old one capped (abandoned) and add a new one. Should be much simpler than extraction. 

Yes much easier procedure

by Amyelynn - 2024-09-23 11:32:26

If you find a good EP they should have no issue performing that procedure!

I left you my recommendation on your other post for my EP out of Redwood City/Palo Alto area who I love!

Dr Shadi Kalantarian 

silicone valley cardiology /  Palo Alto medical foundation procedures done out of sequoia hospital in Redwood City.

 

Thank you Amyelynn

by smopace - 2024-09-23 12:53:14

Thank you very much! How long has she been practiced as EP? 

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