Show & Tell

We talk about our pacemakers and the number of leads we have, etc, here from time to time. While I'm sure most of you have seen a pacemaker, or at least seen a picture of one, have you been able to take a close look at how the leads are connected to a pacemaker? I had mine replaced last month and I got the old one so that I could take a good look at the thing and I have learned a little bit about them I would like to share with you.

I have, (or will as soon as I can) a picture of mine in which I have blowup the upper half in an attempt to show some detail of lead attachments for those interested. The picture shows what amounts to the back side of my pacemaker and I'm showing it because it shows more details. The screw heads are on the reverse side but are under septum and can't be seen.

A couple of things I want to add. The holes where there leads are inserted are about 3.5 mm in diameter. My pacemaker is not black. It is a bright silver, but I had to do the shading to get the details I wanted to show.

8 Comments

Hey Smitty!

by GMan - 2009-11-08 07:11:06

How strong are the leads? Are they strong enough to reel in a muskie or deep sea fishing?

Gary

leads

by Tracey_E - 2009-11-08 07:11:53

One of the speakers at the social in Tampa was a St Judes rep. He let us play with a bunch of new models of pm's, icd's and leads. It was really cool. He had a slide show to demonstrate how they're installed and hooked up.

Gary, at the cost per inch, I'm thinking no one's going to put it to the test. But they're pretty solid.

interesting

by jessie - 2009-11-08 09:11:27

can hardly wait to see this. the more education the better. jessie

PM Picture

by SMITTY - 2009-11-08 10:11:10

Jessie,

I have posted the picture. Click on Gallery and it may be the first picture you will see. If not, put in my name and it will bring it up with others I have posted. It is rather small, but if you click on it and it will be enlarged to the point it may make sense. Hope you find it helpful.

Smitty

Thanks !!!

by ppt - 2009-11-08 11:11:05

Thanx for sharing the data. Awesome :-))

Question

by ppt - 2009-11-08 11:11:37

Great pic ! The 2 wires for each lead - am assuming that one is for sensing and the other for pacing? Is that right?

leads

by Tracey_E - 2009-11-09 03:11:49

One will be upper, one will be lower chamber. All leads both sense and pace.

PPT

by SMITTY - 2009-11-09 09:11:11

It is my understanding that we literally have two circuits in each lead. One is for sensing the heart's need and the other is to let the pacemaker accommodate that need if one exists. This takes place in two chambers of my heart thus the four wires going to two leads.

One day in the not too distant future I hope to disassemble that pacemaker and I'll then know more about how all that is accomplished. Also, if and when I can get it open I plan to take picture of the circuit boards and battery for posting here.

Of course all of my big plans for the pacemaker are contingent on my living that long. Anybody ever have food poisoning. I don't know that is what I have but whatever it is arrived a week ago Saturday. It will be hell for a 3 or 4 days then a little relief for a day or two then more hell. I'm seeing the doctor this morning. If you wonder why I've waited so long to see the Dr., too many flu cases so they say. I could wait or go to the ER and let a "wannabe" doctor have a shot at me.

Yes, I feel bad right now and I'm grumpy as hell, I know.

Smitty

You know you're wired when...

You forecast electrical storms better than the weather network.

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