Replacement

I am having my dual chamber St Jude pacemaker replaced. The Doc wants to use a medtronic...is it common to change brands?

4 Comments

it happens!

by Tracey_E - 2011-01-20 02:01:37

The drs usually choose the brand to fit your needs, then from the ones that will work for you they usually go with the reps they like or just their personal preferences. My doc has a great long term relationship with a St Judes rep so most of his patients end up with SJM. Did you ask why he wants to change? My dr suggested changing last time because sometimes I max out and Medtronic makes one that goes faster than St Judes. I love my rep and he's gone above and beyond to keep mefeeling good so I told him I didn't want to change.

Change

by sgm - 2011-01-20 03:01:27

He thought that since I worked so much it would be a better system. I am not impressed with how the St. Jude keep up with speed. I was on vacation last year and my St. Jude...shut off and rest to original settings. I was sick as a dog for days until someone figured out what was going on. The reps in Florida were wonderful and very concerned.
Thanks for your response, it was very helpful!

Not Unusual

by ddk - 2011-01-20 04:01:09

I agree with all other comments and I too have had different company pacers. Each time I've had a change of pacer it has been different in some way - not good or bad just different. The first one would increase my heart rate if I went over a bumpy road. This one ramps up its energy and I can see it move in my chest when it does a self check. Both worked well and I had no major complaints with them.

not unusual

by SaraTB - 2011-01-20 04:01:29

My first PM was a Medtronic, and my current one is a Boston Scientific. When replacement was approaching my EP suggested either the Boston Scientific or a Biotronik (I think that's correct) and we discussed that he felt either would be better for my particular needs than another Medtronic. This wasn't a criticism of Medtronic, merely that with experience, we now knew more about my personal use and requirements. I think many people here have had different brands. The leads are compatible across types - my leads are still the Medtronic original ones.

Good luck with your changeover and I hope you're able to get the performance you're looking for.

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