Trouble during pacemaker generator replacement

Sheesh

by Grateful Heart - 2017-08-11 16:27:29

I think it's a full moon.  Sorry you went through all of that.

So what are they doing about the atrial lead?  When are the replacing it?  Are you still in the hospital?  If I have all these questions, you must have many more.

Grateful Heart

Trouble during pacemaker generator replacement

by beulahdarling - 2017-08-11 16:53:23

So far I was told that the one lead will take care of the both chambers because the pacemaker is capable of doing this. Don't know how!! I have a follow up appointment ths coming Monday. Cardiologist will get an ear full. I also don't know about the lead that get disconnected???

capped off lead

by zawodniak2 - 2017-08-11 17:24:24

Unusual!!  Was the pace maker 20 years old.  Although it should not, perhaps that duration caused the problem??????

                             Rodger

Capped Leads

by Grateful Heart - 2017-08-11 17:39:37

Capping a lead is common, many of us have a capped lead.  They usually chose that route instead of removing the old lead unless there is a reason to remove it ex: infection, no room left in the vein, etc.  The scary part is he was calling all over for help and he had to be told to cap it.

Is your doctor an EP? 

Grateful Heart

Trouble during pacemaker generator replacement

by beulahdarling - 2017-08-11 18:52:45

Thank you for your responses. The old pacemaker was 10 years old....it is good to know that there are others with capped leads. But does anyone know how a single lead pacemaker can watch 2 heart chambers?

No

by Grateful Heart - 2017-08-11 22:48:12

That's new to me but I could be wrong.  See what your doctor has to say about the whole event on Monday and if you are not comfortable with the answers seek another opinion just to ease your mind.

For a lead 10 years old they would remove it by laser extraction.  You want a doctor, an EP who removes at least a hundred leads per year in this manner.

Grateful Heart 

Capped lead

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-08-13 08:09:53

While capped leads are common, I would want clearer explanations. Ask to see interrogation reports to see how much the atrial lead was in use prior to being capped. I am not a medically trained person but I do not think one lead can manage both chambers or else we would all only need one lead.

Why wasn't a new atrial lead added? There are times when an old lead is capped and a new lead inserted.

A second opinion from a doctor in another practice (not your doctor''s partner) might be needed.

Keep asking questions until you are satisfied.

capped lead

by beulahdarling - 2017-08-14 12:46:09

I have copies of all interrogations. In the beginning I paced 60 % in the atrium. Then as time went on I paced less and less, most recently at 15%. Perhaps my doctor t hought I really don't need a pacemaker anymore? I will go for another opinion, but I doubt my insurance company will pay for another surgery now.