Lead wire info

Hello everyone,
I have some questions about my ventricular lead wire impedance. I was in for a routine pm check and was told that my ventricular wire impedance level was below 200, indicating a problem. I saw the EP doctor and he says it needs to be replaced. I have had several episodes of being lightheaded but was blowing them off to sinus problems, but the most annoying thing is a cough. I have had two pm replacements including an atrial lead replacement and every time something is screwy with my pm, I get a cough. Nothing major, just enough though to make carrying on a conversation very difficult. The doctor doesn't "get" my cough complaint. I am scheduled to have my lead wire replaced, but don't know if they will take it out (its been in for 11 years) or do I have enough room to insert a 4th wire. My procedure is a week away and I am a nervous wreck that this ventricular wire will malfunction. I am totally pacemaker dependent with no underlying heart rhythm. Could somebody give me some info. I am tempted to go to the ER, say I am dizzy and maybe they will be forced to do something NOW...thanks for any input, Cindy

1 Comments

Hi Cindy

by Gellia3 - 2011-08-13 08:08:19

I'm afraid I don't have much input here but two things come to mind. If the impedance is below 200 and went down in a fast free fall, it could be due to insulation failure along the wire somewhere. In other words there is a crack in the insulation of your ventricle wire. The cough could be from impulses stimulating your phrenic nerve.

I would monitor your pulse rate. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, take your pulse. If it is below your normal lower limit, call your dr. Make a pest of yourself. Your dr. must feel you are safely able to wait the week as the electrical charge must be stimulating your heart muscle, but a fracture is something you need to watch carefully. esp if you are totally dependent. That's assuming a fracture is what is the problem.

I'm esp. interested in finding out what you will have done. I have three wires in place at this time also. One is non functioning from 1975 and my two functioning wires are 30 years old now. Did the dr say they will remove the wire, or are you having it capped and another placed? With wires as old as mine, I'm always interested to find what they might do if I find myself in your situation.

GOOD LUCK and do let us know how you are.
My very best to you,
Gellia

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