Doctors

I've just learned that I need to have lead extraction and am trying to get as much info as possible on the subject. I've had a medtronic pm since 1968. Can anyone tell me where to research doctors that perform this surgery?

7 Comments

Good Question!

by TSan1961 - 2011-03-07 06:03:01

Hi,
I just had lead extraction and new leads implanted on Feb 23rd and did not know how to research my own doctor. BUT, I did a lot of asking around and found other doctors who told me that he was one of only 2 doctors who performed that type of surgery in my region. I'm in SW Florida. I was nervous before my surgery because, but I'm happy to say that everything went well, no complications.

As for you, I would suggest looking into the Cleveland Clinic..they have offices in several states. I've heard a lot of good things about them.
If you Google pacemaker lead extraction you'll find several articles about it and the new laser sheaths used in the procedure.

Let me know if you need any information on how the procedure was done, I'll be happy to tell you what I know. OR I can give you my doctor's name and clinic number, perhaps he could recommend someone in your area.
I wish you all the best!

Teresa

fojimo

by donr - 2011-03-08 07:03:03

The name of the person in CA is FOJIMO. Read her post & all the comments for the most recent info.

Also - search on "Extracyions." It'll give you a flood of info. Good luck.

Don

You live in Maryland...

by donr - 2011-03-08 07:03:58

...start w/ going to the Johns Hopkins Med Center web site. They are big in cardiology. I'll betcha they have someone on staff that does that & is cutting edge (Pun intended) in the field.

Also - you will probably find only one or two at any major facility that does this. I am near Emory Univ Med Ctr in Atlanta; they fall into that situation, if I understand the situation correctly. It is a difficult operation requiring great skill & self confidence on the part of the surgeon. My EP just happens to be the "Go to Guy" for that procedure & when discussing it w/ him, he said he got that way by default. He got started in it & everyone else deferred to him because they lacked the comfortable feeling of doing it. You also want to find someone who does about 100 per yr.

Search the archives here for the subj. There is someone in CA facing the same situation & htere's a multi-comment thread on how to find a surgeon. You might send a private msg to that person to see how they did it.

I'll drop out & do a quick & dirty search & come back w/ the name for tou.

Don

Doctors

by J.B. - 2011-03-08 09:03:04

When I think I need someone in medicine with great expertise in some field I try to start with my Dr.

The tools for lead extraction have progressed to the point that while it is still delicate surgery, there are lots more Dr qualified to do this surgery now that than even a few years ago. The one thing I would try to avoid is a teaching hospital and if I did have to use one I would want assurance that a staff Dr and not a resident did my surgery.

I live in So. TX, but I know an EP in Austin, TX that is the cat's uncle when it come to removing pacemaker leads. His name is Dr Dean Price and he is associated with the Heart Hospital of Austin. (hearthospitalofaustin.com)

Doctors

by czc63 - 2011-03-08 09:03:05

Don and Teresa,
Thanks for all the great info. I'll check it all out.

Look overseas

by mrsbrooks - 2011-03-10 11:03:02

You can go to India and have this done. Look into MedJourneys and email them with questions. I had my dual chamber Medtronics put in at a hospital outside of New Delhi and I can't say enough good things about their skill level and hospital cleanliness procedures.

Lead extraction Dr. in MD

by jschuster - 2011-03-10 11:03:50

If i had to have a lead extracted in Maryland or on the eastcoast for that matter I would certainly go see Dr. Henrikson @ JHH.

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Member Quotes

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