Pacemaker placement


Hi again everyone:)
My pacemaker is implanted under the collar bone. Thanks to this wonderful site I was able to find out that there are other options for placement, like under pectoral muscle. Are there any extra potential complications involve or longer healing time by doing that? In comparison to just have that under the color bone. Is that a good idea at all?
I am schedule for the replacement on Oct.-30
I would be very grateful for any info. on this subject.

Thanks
Krys
BABlocker did you received email I sent you?

4 Comments

Pm Placement

by ela-girl - 2007-10-22 11:10:33

Hi, Krys.

My pm was implanted under the muscle and into the breast tissue on my left side. I am of a smaller frame and a younger pm recipient so placing the pm in this position keeps it better hidden, so to speak. My EP did a great job, too! My pm is also sewn down inside the pocket in which it rests so it doesn't move around. I would think it takes more time to heal when the pm is implanted under/into the muscle because they have to cut into the muscle--hence, more time to heal. It's not just a "surface wound" but you are cutting into the muscle. I'm no doctor, but I think this makes sense!

I wish you the best come next Tuesday!
Keep us posted,
ela-girl

Me Three!

by Carol - 2007-10-23 01:10:20

Hi Krys! Like ela-girl and Jenny, my PM is also located under the muscle and towards the breast tissue on my left side. I am a smaller-boned gal and just had my PM placed on the 1st of this month. I was pretty sore for the first week but the discomfort was managed well with Tylenol. As far as I can tell all is healing well and pretty quickly but I don't have anything to compare it to as this is my first. I think once the scar fades, it will be pretty difficult to even notice that I have a PM. I think even in a swimsuit it will not be very obvious....unless wearing a string bikini maybe, and I'm waaaay beyond those days!!! Well, best wishes and a pleasure to meet you. Carol

Me Four but ICD :-(

by kyle0816 - 2007-10-23 02:10:13

I had my ICD placed under the muscle but since they are MUCH larger than pacemakers you can still kind of see it (although it looks a lot better than if it were just under the skin). As far as I know they really don't cut through your muscle. I remember one of the Dr.'s telling me that your muscle kind of goes in a diagonal direction with sort of strands of muscle (I know I'm totally not being technical). Anyway, they kind of slip the pacer/ICD through these strands and put it in a pocket under the pectoralis major but on top of the pectoralis minor muscle. If you are at all concerned with the physical aspect of it I think this is the way to go. I'm hoping they come out with a much much smaller ICD by the time I have to get mine replaced. Cross your fingers for me!

PM under muscle

by sweetkozy - 2007-10-23 12:10:54

Hello Krys,

Like ela-girl, mine was also placed under the muscle, because of my age at implant (21) and my frame. It was quite painful for me and took a little longer to recover, but it was worth it in the end. Actually, no one can tell I have a pm unless they ask me a question about my scar, which rarely occurs. Mine is also located above my left breast and not visible. Talk with your doctor first, because some doctors might not be willing to do it. It takes a little longer for them and it's a little more work. I am happy with the results of having it placed under the muscle. Be sure to keep us posted on how you are doing after your replacement!

Cheers,
Jenny

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