ICD defibrillator unit

Hello, 

My name is Kelly. Last year I had a duel chamber pacemaker installed because my heart was beating too slow. 

Now a year later, I have VT. They did an angiogram and everything seems fine with the plumbing. Now I need to have an EPS done. 

If I end up needing an ICD defibrillator unit along with my pacemaker, do they just replace the unit itself with a combination ICD and pacemaker? Or do they need to redo the leads too? Last year the first attempt at installing the pacemaker was unsuccessful because the leads came loose. I'm really hoping they just change units and leave the leads alone. Any help you be much appreciated. My doctor doesn't like to be "bothered" with a bunch of questions and is hard to get a hold of. I tried finding the information online but couldn't find anything. 

Thanks 

Kelly 

6 Comments

leads

by The real Patch - 2017-09-07 12:36:15

the answer depends. It depends on what leads you currently have and whether they are capable of handling the high current/voltage needed for a Jesus Jolt (shock). Most often they don't need to change the leads

3rd lead?

by Hoser - 2017-09-07 14:36:10

I have 3 because of the -D. I think you will need to have another inserted. But check with your EP.

3rd lead

by The real Patch - 2017-09-07 15:26:10

Hoser you are confused.

You don't have a 3rd lead due to the "D". ICD's do not use 3 leads unless they are a special model called a Bi-Ventricular ICD which is also known more commonly as a CRT-D.

A standard ICD is a dual chamber device and has two wires, one in the atrium and one in the right ventricle. If you have one of these devices but 3 leads, there was a problem with a lead and they disconnected it from the generator but left it inplace and inserted a 3rd lead to replace the disconnected one. Note that even if your problem is the left venrtricle, they place the pacing wire in the right ventricle. 

3 lead devices are known as CRT or Bi-Ventricular ICD. This is typically for people with LBBB (Left Bundle Branch Block) a condition where your ventricles beat out of sync. They use the third lead to pace the left ventricle and synchronize it with the right. The third lead is actually threaded on the outside of the heart on the back of the left ventricle inside an artery.

 

I sat and corrected

by Hoser - 2017-09-09 22:57:40

Thanks The real Patch!

leads

by Buckeye Guy - 2017-09-11 18:54:24

Good info! I am in the exact same situation, three leads etc- had a cardiac MRI today and now looking at an upgrade to an ICD.  This will be the third device in 5 years...blech!

 

Thanks

by Kellmell13 - 2017-09-11 22:03:48

Thank you everyone for all your comments. My doctor is going to do an EPS study to see what's next. May need an ablation or defibrillator. 

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.