Biotronik Problems

I have sinus block -- both nodes -- and have had two different Biotronik pacers -- first a Philos then a Protos DR with CLS. I am a runner and had all sorts of problems. My Bp was high -- then low -- pacing was all over the place. The local cardiologist gave up and I finally went to a University Hospital. The doc there got on the phone with Biotronik and after 2 hours finally figured out that the CLS feature was in conflict with the motion detector. So he turned off the CLS -- this was two years ago and everything has been great. I have two years left on my battery and WILL NOT get another Biotronik.

4 Comments

CLS?

by PeggyR - 2008-11-09 10:11:14

I have a Biotronik Cylos DR-T is what is says on the card, implanted 9/5/08. What does CLS mean in your note please? Thanks

Hate Biotronik

by Truga - 2008-11-09 10:11:38

I am a retired internist who had a Biotronik pacemaker inserted after my 2nd heart attack. I developed a severe pacemaker syndrome and the cardiologist/Biotronic tech could not adjust the pacemaker appropriately. I went into severe congestive heart failure and went to a different hospital to see a different cardiologist. The Biotronik monitor was absolutely worthless; I was in complete heart block and the cardiologist and company did not notify me. I had a St. Judes dual chamber pacemaker inserted and I quickly improved. I had talked with Biotronik personnel several times and they were always evasive. There is no way I would ever have a Biotronic pacemaker put in again (I'm due for a new pacemaker next year).

What is CLS?

by FzyMtnMan - 2009-01-26 01:01:39

CLS (Closed Loop Stimulation) uses an algorithm to determine the rate at which the pacemaker should be at if the heart cannot adjust the heart rate up. If ones own heart (electrically) cannot increase the heart rate (chronotropy-rate) then this particular device using CLS applies the algorithm based on measurements taken from the right ventricular lead. Specifically the device is measuring the contraction dynamics of the right ventricle (inotropy-pump) which is based on commands from the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This is the same system that dictates the rate and pump of a "normal" heart.
I wish I could provide assistance to the initial post and third post but there is much information not known. However, every pacemaker out there has a multiple (hundreds) of parameters that can be adjusted based on whatever issue is at hand. These are engineered devices and therefore have limitations and on occasion cause conflicts with other parameters set within the device. For some physicians and techs who are not savvy in "fine-tuning" a patients device it can be difficult to get the patient where the patient wants to be with thier physical lifestyle. A 60 year old patient will not feel 30 years old after a pacemaker implant, but if a 60 year old patient has been as active as a 30 year old at the age of 60, for the most part pacemakers can be adjusted to meet those demands.
It takes a skilled person to know what options are available in a pacemaker to meet the needs of the patient.

Latest Biotronik implanted

by demdds - 2009-10-14 07:10:15

I had the latest CLS Biotronik implanted in May for a "sick" sinus node. It's amazing! Not only does my pulse rate respond to physical movement but it also responds to my emotional states.

You know you're wired when...

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