adding a lead

leads

by Tracey_E - 2018-03-13 19:26:00

Are you adding a third lead to upgrade to CRT or replacing a lead that's gone bad? If replacing, it's similar to the first placement. They cap off the bad one and add the new one. I don't have a CRT so can't comment on that. 

leads

by f14driver - 2018-03-13 19:29:21

i have a single lead , they are adding a second lead.  i ask why, if i have CHF they didnt install a two lead unit at first and they said they only do what is immediately necessary which sounded  like a weak explanation to me. 

1 vs 2

by Tracey_E - 2018-03-14 11:18:01

There are some doctors who prefer to go with only one lead because it's the least invasive,  less is best. Even if we don't necessarily need the second lead for pacing, it's handy to have for the information they give, and sometimes we end up using it. The surgery will be just like the first one, healing will probably be faster and easier because they will go in the same place which is scar tissue. 

Question for them before your surgery, if you have CHF, why not consider 3 lead? Wtih two lead, the atria and ventricle are both paced it's more about getting your rate up. With a third lead, they pace the second ventricle so it forces them to stay in sync and can help with CHF symptoms and sometimes bring up EF. The third lead helps with efficiency. 

time

by The real Patch - 2018-03-14 12:17:18

so the important thing here is you are starting to question/doubt the actions of your EP. That's when you know it's time. Time to search for a new one that you do have confidence in. Do your homework and get 2nd/3rd opinions whether a single lead device should be implanted for CHF patients. Who knows, you may rebuild trust in your current doctor or find a new one that you do believe in.

its the same

by dwelch - 2018-03-29 05:33:25

they are opening the pocket, whether adding a lead or not, or changing the device or not, its the same recovery.  sore shoulder for a while, dont get it wet for a while, etc etc

Although the difference is ideally you get better at it over time ( I am on number five).  Athough I know one of them I think number four, I kept my shoulder stiff to avoid the pain, and ended up with a sore shoulder for much longer because I did that.  I should have known better, number five I didnt fall for that trap, did what I could to slowing work my shoulder out over the first so many days/weeks.