Lead Extraction

Anyone in Florida had a lead extraction? I have 4 leads (2 active/2inactive) and need to make room for more.

7 Comments

Fl

by Tracey_E - 2010-01-26 06:01:45

I am in Fl but ended up not needing an extraction. Charlie Byrd in Ft Lauderdale pretty much invented lead extraction but I believe he retired last summer. I'm not sure who else around here does it. Good luck!!!

Im pretty sure

by walkerd - 2010-01-26 07:01:44

TracyE has had them I think, she is in florida. Tammy tcrabtree85 is quite knowledgeable also pm them or ask your question a post there are quite a few knowledgable people on here that can answer any questions you have or give advice or experiences they have had, dont think the procedure is any different in Florida then it is anywhere else tho. I havent had mine long enough to have this done. Best of luck if you are having this procedure im sure everything will work out for you. Sorry I couldnt be of any help.
dave

Awe I miss read this I think

by tcrabtree85 - 2010-01-26 11:01:11

I am guessing right now that you know about the lead extraction process but looking for a Dr to do it. I had the hardest time finding somebody in Iowa to do it. Where abouts in Florida are you? Would it be possible to get to the Mayo Clinic in that area? I am a huge fan of Mayo Clinic I went when I first got diagnosed with some of my problems after getting pm. I know that they have good Dr's I have not used them for my lead extractions but I do believe that Mayo Clinic would be a place where it could be done.
I wish you luck and if you have any questions if I can't answer them I will attempt to find it out.

Blessings,
Tammy

lead extraction

by Brenda Price - 2010-01-26 11:01:49

I will be interested in knowing where this goes. I also have 4 leads one is inactive and needs to come out to make room for left venticular lead. Good luck

leads

by tcrabtree85 - 2010-01-26 12:01:06

Hi,
I am not in Florida but I have just recently had a lead extraction done and a year ago I also did. If you have any questions you can send me a private message.

Tammy

2000

by FirstDuely - 2010-01-26 12:01:34

I had a lead extraction done in 2000. Removed 2 leads from left chest and 2 new ones put in the right side. Leads were failing with one having a crack in the coating somewhere. At the time there were only about 6 surgeons in the US who were doing them. It was very new....
Used a laser-type cutter that surrounded the lead and was attached to a long wire that they slide down along the old lead to cut through plaque that forms around the lead and "sticks" it to the wall of the blood vessel. Mine took quite awhile to do but I don't know much about the procedures being done lately.
I really did not like having the leads left in place so was blessed with having someone around (St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank) who was willing and able to do this. I have always been on the "cutting edge" of the new technologies so pm (not pacemaker) me if you have questions. I am SO much happier not having extra leads coiled up under the skin. Never liked that idea at all.
BTW, I suggest you don't jump around on the operating table while having this done ;) Oh, right...you'll be sleeping anyway.

I had two leads extracted

by jpope5 - 2010-02-25 01:02:49

I'm in tallahassee and had a two lead extraction and one new one put in as well as a new icd. The hospital had all the new laser equipment for the procedure so I let my doctor do as we have a good relationship and I trust her.

It took 5 hours and I developed a hematoma that was quite painful. The hematoma was probably because my devise is implanted inside my pectoral muscle.

I also heard that doctor Bird in south Florida was the best, but didn't want to make the trip.

I wish you a speed recovery and good luck,

Jeffrey

You know you're wired when...

You invested in the Energizer battery company.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.