Excess L:ead

Hi,
After I had my pacemaker installed (May 4) I noticed that to the left of the pacemaker there was excess lead wire on the shoulder area. After a few weeks of being able to move my arm around more I noticed that I don't feel the excess lead wires there anymore. Are those wires put there so you have the extra length for when you start using your arm again?

Thanks
Stacey

3 Comments

Pacemaker Leads

by J.B. - 2009-07-30 02:07:19

I posted a graphic that shows a typical pacemaker lead path and the excess lead to allow for movement of the body. The length of a lead when the PM is placed under the collarbone is only about 12 to 14 inches.

excess lead wire

by aldeer - 2009-07-30 03:07:11

I am thankful for my excess lead wire because it allows me to swim without worrying about the lead wire pulling out. At one time, I was told by my cardiologist that the wire could have a problem by the rubbing against the bone, but my EP told be there was enough "slack" in the wire not to cause a problem, "so swim and enjoy it". Of course, that made me very happy because I swim five days a week. aldeer

Hi Stacey

by Hot Heart - 2009-07-30 08:07:32

Welcome to the pacer club! lol.

I think they probably do put a little slack on the wires to account for us moving around, if they were too tight some of our movements might make the wires feel tight. Ive had my pm 10 months now and my wires have settled down, just feel a teeny slack at the top of the pm. Also dont forget the wires may bend with our movements and the slack helps them stay in good condition.

If this is your only problem sounds like you are doing well. Good luck

HH

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Member Quotes

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.