Has anyone ever had their wire replaced?

I recently found I had a wire leading to my left ventricle that was showing more resistance than it should. They turned up the power to that wire to make it work like it should. This means that my ICD will have to be replaced much sooner that it should have. They told me that when the battery does deplete (approx. 1.5 years left at this power setting) I need to have that wire replaced. I also have an older wire from first ICD implantation. So I have two wires to remove and replace and was wondering if anybody has experienced wire replacement and what can I expect when the time comes.

6 Comments

Lead replacement

by ElectricFrank - 2011-02-12 01:02:53

We have a number of folks here who have had replacements and I expect you will hear from them.

Lead removal, while becoming more common, is still serious surgery. I strongly suggest having it done by a cardiologist who has a lot of experience. Having had a previous lead fail, and now this one there would seem to be some reason for it.

frank

just done

by Hubbsy - 2011-02-12 04:02:19

Not sure if you just have 2 wires now or more but if only 2 they can add a new lead and abandon the other one and leave it there. Just did that with me as I had the same issue with my ventricular lead.

Doc told me that depending on your size you can have as many as 4 wires before needing to remove one.

Hope this helps

lead was replaced on Monday

by TSA - 2011-02-12 08:02:01

As it says I just had my lead and pacemaker replaced a few days ago. I have two leads on a Medtronic. I had mine in for 4 years when I found out that my one (ventricle) lead was not working. It took a while to schedule surgery - they must have a stand by surgeon ready for open heart in case of complications. I was not feeling my best since my pacer was not working right- they wanted to make some adjustments to it until surgery but I said "leave it like it is and get me in to OR."
They did some pre testing (took almost all day) including a check to see how the vein looked (it was very clear). I went in for the surgery they did go in site of pacemaker and groin. I was in a regular OR and had general anesthesia. I appreciated the advise on here and made sure the cardiologist specialized in electrical and had done over 100 procedures. I was in OR about 3 hours a bit longer than they had thought because the break was right near the tip goes into the heart and it took a while to get it out with out breaking it. They used the laser - it had lots of tissue adhering to the lead. They also changed the pocket because of skin erosion at my old site. The did replace the pacer to - extra battery drain and said they should while in there. I stayed overnight in the heart ward and came home to rest and am feeling tired but OK. I hope to return to work on Monday. I did not have to have the wire removed but chose to because I am 48. I am thinking I may need to have more wiring done over the years and I am in good health now -so keep all the extra stuff out for now. I did ask about how they can keep it from breaking again- they said the lead is the best they have and he did change the plane the wire laid on but said there are no guarantees. All the best!
Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks for the input

by AndyK930 - 2011-02-12 10:02:05

Thanks to all who have responded to my question...Frank, I have faith in my Doctor...he is an Associate Professor Medicine, Cardiology...Director of the Clinical Electrophysiology Fellowship Program and the Medical Director of the Implant Device Program at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, IL. TSA, I will double check what you recommended about experience. Arabella, this will be my 4th ICD replacement and they probably still use the same site. Hubbsy, I have a 3 wire ICD and the wires that need to be replaced are in the left ventricle...I would also like to clarify that 2 wires are coming out and 1 is going back in.When it happens I will post again with the results. Thanks again!

Replacement Wire

by Jaybee - 2011-02-15 07:02:30

I read often the need for wire replacements.How frequently wire is replaced and how many wires can be placed in the same vein or artery?

Jaybee

# of wire

by Hubbsy - 2011-02-17 10:02:27

Jaybee
My clinic says as many as 4 before removal is required. As far as frequency I don't know that stat. I required a new lead on my first replacement as they said the lead was causing early battery drain.

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A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.