Lead on outside of heart?

I went in on 12/22, to have my PM removed and replaced with a CRT-D. As I woke up the EP doc told me that I am missing the vessels or viens?? in my heart that one of the leads was supposed to go in so he was unable to put that lead in. It's the lead that is supposed to syncronize the ventricles. My cardiologist wants me to have another surgery to place that lead on the outside of my heart. I have an appt in 2 wks with both my EP and Cardiologist to learn more, but I was wondering if anyone here had to have this done and what you can tell me about it?
Thanks again for you help. Cathy

4 Comments

Lead issue

by Pookie - 2012-01-01 08:01:06

Sorry I can't be of any help, but I do know that many people have some kind of little (or not so little) defect with their hearts. I have Left Ventricle Noncompaction that I have to have a yearly cardiac echo/ultrasound for, but that's another story for another day.

I'm quite sure between your EP & Cardiologist they will figure out a way to get that lead in where it is meant to be.

There are several members with 3 leads so perhaps they will jump in and respond to your post. I find the site has been extremely quiet during the holidays.

Wishing you the best,
Pookie

Epicardial Lead

by CIED´s Tech - 2012-01-01 09:01:10

Hi,
First of all I want you to know that some times due to anatomical variants the third lead of the CRT-D can´t be implanted. When this happens they have to implant an epicardial lead, called this way because it´s implanted in the outer layer of your heart or epicardium.
As far as I know this procedure is made by a cardio-thoracic surgeon with the help of the EP and/or cardiologist. The results are very similar to those achieved with the electrode impanted in the conventional way.

I wish you the best.
CIED´s Tech

Epicadial Lead

by TalkinCardio - 2012-01-02 02:01:08

Thanks CIED Tech, this is very helpful.
Cathy

jack

by jhall - 2012-01-26 01:01:13

Cathy,had that procedure done last aug. attached 2leads (1 for back-up) to the outside of heart , for purpose of bi-ventricular lead placement.had a great cardio thoracic surgeon. Also had 2 defective leads lasar extracted at same time (full O.R.). on my 5th device had them fo 19 yrs .the cardio thoracic deal is more painful and more recovery time.Had mine done in Houston ,very very happy with results and level of expertise of docs .hope this helps

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