PM and Lead Removal

Hi all,

I got my second pacemaker about 2 weeks ago. Have had what they thought was a pocket hematoma, but they were treating with antibiotics just in case.

Today, a bunch of infection started to drain from a tiny hole in the top of my incision. I called, and the cardiologist says that I will need to have the whole system taken out.

I am terrified, because I understand that the lead removal requires a trip to the cardiac OR, not just cath lab. My leads have been in for just over 11 years.

Any comforting words and/or experience with the same procedure would be great.

3 Comments

lead removal

by Tracey_E - 2016-03-20 01:03:44

They do it in the OR as a precaution only so they can have a cardiac surgeon on standby. It is highly unlikely they will need this, but if there are complications time is of the essence so they like to be prepared for any possible contingency.

We've had a lot of members here who have successfully had leads removed, hopefully a few of them will chime in soon. The laser sheaths they use have come a long way and the number of experienced surgeons has increased a lot so it's not what it was even five years ago. One question for your surgeon, how many does he do a year. If it's less than 100, ask for a referral to someone else. This is not a high risk procedure when done by someone experienced so don't be shy about asking for the most experience you can get.

Lot of that going round...

by Cabg Patch - 2016-03-22 04:03:08

TraceyE is right on with why they perform the device extraction in the OR in lieu of the cath lab. Just had my junk removed after 9 years, after using the laser sheath to cut the surface tissue, the leads just unscrewed and popped right out. easier than implanting them was.

Not a pleasant experience dealing with the infection, best of luck to you on that.

Thank you!!!

by snorko - 2016-03-23 02:03:44

I really appreciate beating from someone who recently went through this. I was scared to death. I'm going in Friday. How long were you in the hospital? Did they put lots of lines in you?

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.