Concerned about lead removal.

I had my p/maker fitted June 2005 due to a very low pulse rate followed by a heart block. I have read on the meditronic web site that they have produced an MRI 'friendly' pacemaker. I badly need MRI scans to assist with diagnosis of a lumbar spine problem and, sadly, a possible cancer problem. Does anyone know if my 2005 existing leads would have to be replaced should I request an MRI friendly pacemaker to be fitted. I understand lead removal/replacement is a serious business. Any views and advice would be most welcome.

5 Comments

lead replacement

by golden_snitch - 2011-02-15 05:02:48

Hi,
the leads would need to be replaced with MRI-safe leads, it's not only the unit. This is why mostly new pacer patients are going to benefit from the new MRI-safe pacers/leads. However, if you need MRI scans because of a serious condition, I'm sure that complete removal of your pacer system and implant of a MRI-safe system is something your cardio/EP would be willing to discuss. Does he know about your lumbar spine problems and your need to have an MRI? If not, I would make an appointment and discuss matters with him.
Best wishes
Inga

MRI vs Ct Scan

by donb - 2011-02-15 07:02:51

Hi, I was also faced with the same question in the year 2000. I was in my 8th year with my 2nd PM at the time with stenosis in my back from L1 to S1. As an MRI was out of the picture at the time I found a skilled neurosurgeon who did the surgery working from a Ct Scan. He assured me he could do the job and he did.
He did take on a challenge as his 1 hour surgery turned into 4 1/2 hours. He did an excellant job considering I had
lumbar L4 & L5 repaired 40 years prior.
Most Surgeons won't take on a patient today with MRIs' giving so much better info to work with.

I ran into another snag just a year ago, took a ride getting into our shower and broke upper back T1 & T2 between the shoulder blades. Again, body scan just barely showed the fractures but a lot of time & caution helped the healing process followed by therapy. Surgery was out of the picture as no MRI. In both of these problems I did a lot of research on lead removal & PM removal and found research by the medical field has come a long way. As has been posted here by others Laser technique along with skilled surgeons has been a blessing. In your case you have 2 choices, like finding surgeons highly skilled to do the work. Hopefully your caretakers will take the time to discuss your options. You will want the right answers before having the work done. Good Luck!! DonB

MRI's with Pacemaker possible

by AmyS - 2011-02-15 11:02:44

I just read this before I read your post. Maybe this procedure will become more available after more testing:

"Perelman Cente for Advanced Medicine in PA
Posted by ChristMMPace on 2011-02-15 22:49

Pacemaker and ICD Recipients,

Today, I went to Pennsylvania Cardiology Associates and I saw a very well educated electrophysiocologist; upon telling him my conditions and the quality of life I've been having, I mentioned to him that I’ve been sick for the past five years. I've also mentioned that because I can't have an MRI done I couldn't see what was going on with the back of my neck and head. I've told him all my symptoms, I also told him I wish I could have an MRI done to see what's going on inside my head and neck, I told him for many years I've been told I couldn't have an MRI done, because I have a pacemaker. The Electrophysiologist looked at me and asked, "Why can't you have an MRI?" He told me they've been giving MRIs to patients with pacemakers and ICDs for the past 3 years with a new procedure they have; he told me it's not FDA approved, because it's a prototype. It's being used for patients who are in need of an MRI and have these devices implanted; not one person has ever had any complication. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He also told me that out of 400 patients, no one has ever had any problems or complications. He asked me to have my Neurologist give me a prescription for an MRI of whatever she needs to have done. I’m so excited and relieved because all this time and I’m finally going to be able to get an MRI done on my neck and head. If you’re in the Pennsylvania area and you’re in need of an MRI, call the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and make an appointment for an MRI and tell them; James from the Pacemaker Club told me all about what you guys are doing. You won’t believe your ears when these doctors tell you about this new procedure. I hope this is good news for someone who's in need of an MRI and have a pacemaker or ICD implanted.


Bless be to all who are apart of this family of hearts.

I love you guys,

Brother James"

Same Boat

by TwoCents - 2011-02-25 08:02:32

I am riding in the same boat. In fact I have been exposed to more radiation than I would like because of the inability to have an MRI. Now my doc says my leads are going to have to be replaced soon. They are trying to wait until the pacemaker itself need to be replaced in about 2 years. I'm on my second pacer, but my leads have been in place for 10 years. I mentioned the new MRI safe pacers and would it be possible to replace the leads with safe leads. It sounds like they are unwilling to take the risk. The potential complications are devastating. So, I guess we are stuck unless new technology comes out.

OLD LEADS; NEW (MRI+) PACEMAKER

by sergiobiguzzi - 2013-10-11 01:10:29

I called Medtronic. Officially they do NOT recommend to use their new MRI-compatible pacemakers with old MRI-incompatible leads. When I asked if the pacemaker would work they seemed to agree. The issue would then only be the heating of the leads.
I am not an engineer but I do not see anything wrong eliminating the risks of pacemaker malfunction while retaining the "potential" risk of the leads overheating.
In gact I see that MRI have been performed without major side effects with old pacemakers with old leads.
I'll try to convince my cardiologist!!
I will keep you posted
Sergio

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