Questions & Answers

I have an answer to one of James' questions about what happens when a pacemaker shifts into VVI mode due to a low battery and I have a questions, or two, about getting a replacement pacemaker.

I had a checkup today because my Medtronic PM shifted to VVI mode on the 10th and I don't know about everybody, but I have never felt worse. The interrogation showed that it is time to replace my pacemaker. I'll get that done next week I guess, maybe before. To answer one question, at my checkup on 7-28-09. the battery voltage was 2.66. with an estimated remaining life of 7 months. Today the battery voltage was reported as 2.62 with the notation "replace pacer."

The report I saw a couple of months ago showed I was pacing A about 90% and V about 3%. They tell me the pacemaker is pacing only the ventricle and I can say for certain I don't like the way it feels. I am having more PVCs and skip beats that I can count. To say I feel like hell is wishful thinking.

Now, will all of you that go into the VVI mode feel this way, I have no idea, but I would guess that those that are not pacing the atrial very much would not but, like I said, that is my guess.

Now my question, which is the best pacemaker, a St. Jude or a Medtronic. I know the answer that I have given is that all pacemakers do about the same thing, it is just some do it different from others. Now that I'm asking the question I realize that is not a very good answer. There must be a difference, When I asked the nurse that did my checkup today she mumbled something about St. Jude being better and when I asked why were more Medtronic PMs implanted that St. Jude and her answer "Medtronic has better salesman, I guess'" I don't like that answer and I will find out which is better before my new Timex, if possible. The nurse did tell me the St. Jude PM did not have a VVI mode. At about 3 months left on the battery, you get a signal to let you know it is about time.

Thanks,

Smitty

6 Comments

reps

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-14 10:10:37

Honestly, I really do think aside from minor features, they're all about the same; the difference is in the reps and the programming. I adore my St Judes rep and wouldn't change brands for anything. Regardless of the brand, some reps are awesome and some are mediocre. Could you ask the nurses which rep they prefer? Sounds like they prefer St Judes. I know my doc picked my first one because of his relationship with the St Judes (then Siemens) rep. When my doctor moved out of state, I asked the rep for another doctor he had a good relationship with.

Wondering if your atrial pacing was leveling you out but keeping you well above your minimum. It's those extra features that make us feel good that you lose when the battery switches mode. It's not thinking now, it's just making sure you don't drop too low. It no longer cares if you need rate response to boost you up higher or you're missing beats.

My understanding is the battery life does not decrease gradually like the gas tank in a car. It's a steep curve, where it stays the same and stays the same and stays the same, then it plummets. Like on the 10th. ;o)

I'm sorry you're feeling so lousy!!! Good luck getting it switched out quickly. You've been around enough that you know my standard answer- changes are a piece of cake!

smitty

by jessie - 2009-10-15 04:10:17

i have heard that the st. jude was recalled and heard a lot about the trouble ted had. he is not here very often now.pick what you think is best for you. and good luck to the both of you.get out of the cold if you can for a few weeks after christmas. jessie p.s. i am not worried as i know you and frank will do your homework

new pacer

by golden_snitch - 2009-10-15 04:10:50

Hey Smitty!

Well, I would say they are not all the same when it comes to different features so you have to know what's most important for you, what you really need or would like to have. The basic features are about the same, but then there are some extras here and there. I think I mentioned that a couple of times before but the rate response is one good example for differences between manufacturers. So is the algorithm to minimize right ventricular pacing.

When I did some research before I got my pacer upgrade last year, I came to the conclusion that you can't have all the great features in one pacer. So in the end I chose the pacer that in my opinion came closest to having all the good stuff: Sorin Group "Reply". They also have some other pacers like the "Symphony" and the "Esprit" but I'm not sure which ones are FDA approved (it's a European manufacturer). I know the "Reply" is since 2007.

The only problem in the U.S. is that Sorin is not very well established on the american market, yet, and so lots of cardios are not familiar with these pacers. But although it's a pretty small manufacturer with not that many pacer models, doesn't mean that it's not good. When I told my cardio what I wanted he said that this is very unusual but that it's a great product.

Anyways, Medtronic and St. Jude are good, too, from what I have heard and experienced (my first pacer was a Medtronic Kappa 401SR). It really depends on if you have any special needs.

I'm paced 100% in the atriums, and just around 2% in the ventricles, and I can for sure say that I wouldn't like to be paced in the ventricles only. That would be hell for me! I'm not sure if everyone goes into the VVI mode when battery is low, but I remember that I was told that my pacer would pace me at a steady rate (65), no more rate response, when the battery is low.

Best wishes & good luck with the replacement!
Inga

Thoughts

by tcrabtree85 - 2009-10-16 02:10:07

Hey Smitty,
When I had to choose what kind I wanted I asked my Dr a very simple question if I picked one brand verse another what type would you be placing in. After getting that info I went and did my research. I have St. Jude I have had one bad St. Jude also.
I looked at Medtronic and St. Jude recall list and at the time felt like over the years Medronic had more recalls than St. Jude did. The only issue I have now with that thinking is if you have a St. Jude pm and it does not last you the amount of time as it should you can not go after the company.
I wish I could give you better advice. Take care of yourself and know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Tammy

Thank You

by SMITTY - 2009-10-16 11:10:23

Thank you Ladies,

All of your input is most helpful.

I'm supposed to find out Monday afternoon what day next week I get my new PM. It looks like it will be a St. Jude, provided they can guarantee me they can duplicate the settings I have, or had, on my Medtronic.

Smitty

Hey Smitty

by Christmmpace - 2009-10-17 01:10:33

Hello Smitty,

If your anything like me, I know if I were to get a St. Jude pacemaker verses the one I have now which is a Medtronic I would trully be looking for anything to go wrong with it. I think metally I would stick to the brand I had for so many years being that my heart has trusted it for nine years. I think that if you change over you must be 100 % confident that it's the right way to go, but as for me I would rather go with the one I have now. St. Jude or Metronics they both have recalls, so stay with the one your used to having metally I think it would help in the long run.

Good luck buddy
James

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