Question, concern.

I had a Pace/Defib replaced recently. The original one had a
Re-called" Lead wire attached to it. The Doctor connected the questionable wire to the newly installed device.

I called Medtronic Inc. and was told that it was a "Doctor decision", and there may have been several reasons why the Doctor decided to re-connect the wire.

They would not comment further.

I called the Doctors Office, he did not return my call as of this date.

Has anyone here had a "Re-called" wire attached to a newly installed device, and for what reasons?

2 Comments

letter

by Tracey_E - 2012-01-19 06:01:12

Agreed, Frank's idea of a letter is a good one. Keeping it may well have been the right decision, but it was your right to be part of that decision.

There are plenty of reasons to keep the lead as it is. You can't always fit a new lead on top of the old and removing a lead is a much more involved surgery. Just because it's recalled doesn't mean it necessarily is one of the bad ones, and they would have tested it before connecting it to the new device to confirm it's working.

I had a lead go bad (bad luck, not a recall) and I chose to keep it through two replacements before it got bad enough that I got it replaced this last time. I intend to be pacing for a long long time and I wanted to put off adding more wires, or a potential extraction, as long as possible. So, if I were told one of my leads was recalled but working, I'd keep an eye on it but leave well enough alone.

Medical Politics

by ElectricFrank - 2012-01-19 12:01:46

My suggestion is to put it in writing. Send a letter to the doctor requesting that he explain his decision, and also why he/she didn't consult with you before making it. Send the letter Certified Mail with a return receipt. Keep a copy for yourself.

Myself I would follow up with another letter (if you don't get a response). I use statements something like "I assume your lack of response is an indication that you aren't able to justify your decision." That puts the ball in his court and often gets a response.

good luck,

frank

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