PM EOL and replace with ICD

• by Vai
• 2012-02-28 01:02:44
• ICDs
• 1514 views
• 0 comments

Dear friends,

I like your opinion, please.

My PM implanted in 2006 finally reached end-of-life and need to be replaced. However the EP advised 4 points to consider
- my afib condition had progressed from occasional to chronic.
- my underlying HCM condition
- PM used only 17% of the time (AP) for last 2 years
- 1 recorded episode of ventricular tachycardia (or fibrillation?) that lasted less than 6 seconds, in the last 18 months

Based on these 4 points, he recommended a PM is no longer needed, and that I should implant a single lead ICD instead. In addition the blood thinner was changed from Aspirin to Praxada minimum dose, and the amiodorone changed to verapamil.

After consulting additional opinion from cardiologist, I get the impression that this is implanting the ICD "just in case" for protection in the event of future progressive occasions of VT or V-Fib. Being a experienced "PMer" with no problems the last 6 years, I ought to be rather calm over this but I am getting more & more anxious (and nervous) as the scheduled change draws nearer.

I appreciate any insights and words of wisdom.
Thank you
Vai