Medtronic Revo MRI Pacemaker

On January 5th, 2012 I had a Medtronic Revo MRI Pacemaker implanted. It was my first pacemaker as I had a 2/1 heart block but fortunately no coronary artery disease. The surgeon told my wife he had difficulty inserting the lower lead into the heart. Since its installation it has been operating at 100% of the time in the lower chamber and 15% of the time in the upper chamber but upon exertion I still experience shortness of breath. The big problem is that it is set at the maximum setting and the battery is running down quickly. Since this pacemaker is new technology I am wondering if others are having a similar problem.

My Doctor is going to inquire about this issue but it looks like I will be facing surgery again shortly for either a new lead into the lower chamber or a total replacement with the model that does not allow for MRI’s. The Doctor indicated to me that replacement sooner would be less complicated as he would not be dealing with treating the scar tissue with a laser.

Any insight anyone is able to share would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

AlanC

3 Comments

My take

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-20 02:04:25

The whole situation can easily be explained by the problem getting the lower lead inserted. My guess is that it actually hasn't been inserted properly. Sometimes that can happen. If the lead isn't inserted into the wall it just flops around inside the chamber and depends on the current being conducted through the blood. Since the energy isn't concentrated on a small site it is not as effective. This means turning up the voltage in an attempt to get it to work.

I don't think it has anything to do with the pacer model. I don't know if the MRI safe leads are any different as far as getting them inserted. Haven't heard of any though.

The doctor is right about correcting the problem as soon as possible to avoid having to deal with the leads scarring into the blood vessels.

I'm sorry you are having to go thorough the additional surgery. In the long run though it will be worth it. I've had a pacer since 2004 for AV block and it basically restored life to normal again. I'm 82 yrs and still hike in the desert as well as exploring on extremely rough roads. The pace is no limitation at all for me.

frank

by jessimay - 2012-04-20 04:04:58

I can't really help much but I do know that my doctors at NYU and Mt. Saini agreed that the Revo was not a great option as a pacemaker. This is because of the leads. Instead of keeping the standard lead and using a different material like what biotronik did, medtronic decided to make a completely new lead and well there's not much of a long term study of them. That being said the same problem could happen with any other lead. If your doctor thinks a switch out is necessary I would go with it.

I am not sure if the bio is approved in the states yet; but you could always ask if you need a swap and want the mri safe. I know sometimes doctors have contracts with companies and will only use that brand.

On another note I do not have a pacemaker. It's been on the table for me for almost a year now. Every other month I've had a surgery to destroy my sinus node. It's very robust.

Lead

by bjbumblebee - 2012-04-21 12:04:16

I do not have an MRI PM but I know about bad lead placements. Suffered with one for approximately 5 years, lower lead, doc had difficulties placing it and I have had nothing but misery since until March 8, 2012 when my leads were extracted and new leads were inserted with exceptional placement. I feel like my old self again. I'm getting back into my exercise and enjoying life again. Getting rid of the lead now would be better than later.

Bonnie

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