pin broke but left in place

When I got my last defib and pacemaker change, the surgeon broke the pin joining one of my leads to the device. When trying to extract it or pull it out from the device, he couldn't. So he left it in place. I guess now I will have to go to Boston when I get my next battery change and have a lead revision to take out the old leads, and have new ones put in. I heard this surgery is risky and I am honestly tired of surgery. Can I just have them take the battery out and leave the leads. I just don't want the device anymore.

4 Comments

Pin Broke But Left In Place

by SMITTY - 2012-01-02 01:01:28

Hello,

I understand removing pacemaker leads can be risky, if not done by an experienced Dr, it not nearly as risky today as it was a few years ago. If you would like some details on the procedure most Drs use today log onto this web site, http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/full/33/6/1671.

Rather than have the device removed you might consider having it turned down to the point it is just a monitor. That way, with no drain on the battery, it may sit there for 20+ years. But if the time were to come that it was PM or die, you already have one in place that will need only the settings changed for the still active leads. If the damaged lead was the one you needed most, it may be possible to just put in another lead as I have heard people talk about having as many as 5 leads in the vein without a problem.

I see you have a defibrillator/pacemaker combination which means (I think) you have a three lead unit. Are all the leads messed up or is it just one?  No matter, it may be possible to do as I suggested and not go through additional surgery if you feel sure you will no longer need the device.

But rather than try to hang your hat on anything said here, this sounds like a subject you need to discuss with a good Dr before you make a decision.

Good luck,

Smitty

Smitty

by luckybutterflycandy - 2012-01-02 03:01:21

Thanks for posting back a response so quickly. I am told I do need this device..because of how serious my heart condition is and the fact my bio mom died at 36 from it, and my uncle at 40. I also have a sister who has had two open heart surgeries where they did a septal myectomy twice. a lead revision, and two battery changes, and now my brother just got diagnosed with it. so although I hate it..I guess I need it. Some people thinks it brings them comfort, and probably does. To me though, its a pain, especially when they set my activity heart level to only 130. Try running or burning calories with a pulse of 130..such fun *said very sarcastically* I also hate the thought of it going off. Both my adopted father and my sister had theirs misfire, and they are like..alot bigger than me and it set them either on their behind or across the room. I told my sister it was because she was reaching out for a drink at the club and God was having a humorous moment...haha...seriously though..she could have died..it misfired 6 times. eeek! It makes me mad that my pin got broken but I did have an extremely good surgeon and it wasn't his fault. But hey, thanks for the reply again and thanks for your time.

P.S. Just think, maybe, just maybe, they might eventually make them advanced enough to jump start my car or insert a radio..a little side benefit for all the hassel don't you think?? Hope you have a restful evening:)

Broken Terminal Pin

by donb - 2012-01-02 05:01:20

Hi Lucky, Sounds like you also got minimal information with your last implant. Why don't the bulk of Cardiologist Surgeons explain in simple language how they approach a problem as yours. I had a similar problem with one lead terminal after the Dr yanking it out of my old PM. Knowing full well that I was an electronics person, he would not even try as it will be "FINE".
Well, 1 year later this being my 3rd PM, the bad connection caused erosion and I ended up with my 4th PM in my right chest along with another pair of leads. Now I have a total of 4, the original 2 from 1992 and my 2nd pair 2 years ago. It would be most interesting to get facts from our PM manufacturers as to repair lead terminals at the PM. I want to mention also that I was without my PM for 2 months & diagnosed not needing a replacement. Wrong!!
Smitty's got the right & only answer to being without a PM. Best always is having your settings turn the pacing off & use the PM as a monitor. As in my case, I developed A-Fib and again needed another PM so I could be on Meds to keep my heart rate up. In the period of 2 months my heart reverted back to pre-PM in 1992, resting HR in the high 20's. Hey, I do enjoy your humor!! You gotta be serious with them Drs' though. Make them earn your payment. Good Luck!! donb

Thanks:)

by luckybutterflycandy - 2012-01-02 10:01:31

Thankyou so much you guys for the information, and support. Funny you mentioned humor..my daughter said to me after reading it that its not funny and I should be serious..I think though if I laugh a little it makes it better..hey when life gives you lemons, make lemonade:D Good night and have a restful evening. I'll be here all week and maybe longer:)

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