new icd

New device coming up., this will be my first replacement!! I've had my original device for six years. Now, I am wondering if I should ask for some particular brand or type. I tried to Google the subject of devices but. Couldn't find a place where they were rated.

3 Comments

Getting New PM

by SMITTY - 2012-09-28 05:09:42

Hello Daisy,

I can tell you my experience with a similar situation.

I got my Medtronic dual lead in 2000 and had to have it replace in 2009. As I was waiting "my turn" the dr came in for a short visit and for no good reason I asked what brand PM I would be getting. He told me it would be a St. Jude. I asked why the brand change and to quote him, "I don't know, I guess the hospital gets a better deal from St. Jude." He went on to say all pacemakers like mine did about the same thing but some may do it differently. I then told him I preferred to keep a Medtronic and could I get one. Just that quick, he told me yes and I got a Medtronic.

From what I have been able to see over the years, one brand is probably as good as the other, it is just that sometimes some people will get a bad one, not matter what the brand. As for asking for a particular type PM (single lead, dual lead, bivent., etc.) I would suggest leaving that to the dr as different hearts can have different requirements.

Good luck,

Smitty

Advantage of keeping same type

by ElectricFrank - 2012-09-29 12:09:10

Over the years they have found the settings that work well for you. If the replacement is another Medtronic they can simply transfer the settings.

Also, watch out for issues like was recently reported on one of the new MRI type. The FDA for some reason has specified the maximum Upper Tracking Limit as 150. This is no problem though if you aren't athletic and need the high setting. Personally, I wouldn't go for one of the MRI type unless I had a need for it.

frank

Just noticed

by ElectricFrank - 2012-09-29 12:09:12

I missed that you are replacing an ICD. Some of what I said above may not apply.

frank

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