Pacemaker technology wired vs wireless and single vs dual chamber (i don't want to be physically restricted)

SSS

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-09 23:26:46

I believe you're talking about "Sick Sinus Syndrome", where your SI node is failing. It's not a disease per se, rather a symptom in itself.  It's cause is unspecified.

I'm not sure why your EP is suggesting a dual-chamber PM, unless there is something you're not telling us (don't know).  If SSS is your only problem, it can be taken care of by pacing just the right atrium.

I tend to agree with Robin.  It's a little early soon for a wireless PM.  I'd wait for them to cook a few years.  Maybe next time?

As far as your self defense classes, you might get away with shields sold to protect PMs.  There are some in the "SHOP" tab on this page.  I have no idea how well they work.

Thanks

by LIssH - 2018-07-10 00:21:23

Thank you for your comments.

In addition to the low heart rate, my last holter monitor also reported a number of short pauses (3sec) over night.

I am weighing up the options as my DR said, at this stage it is a choice whether i have a pacemaker or not but that it would likely increase quality of life and a dual-chamber would be most benficial.

Thanks for the tip on the shop.

dual lead

by Pookie - 2018-07-10 00:32:06

Hi.  I have SSS and was implanted with a dual lead pacemaker and the reason given to me was:  while they had me on the table, they might as well put the 2nd lead in (bottom) because in the future if I ever needed it - it is already there.  I don't use it at all.  I did, however, have to get them to turn OFF the self-testing it did because the feeling of it really bothered me, if your doctor doesn't want to do that then perhaps you could suggest they set the testing to the wee hours while you are sleeping.  As far as self defense - hmmmm, that could prove to be an issue, however, there are vests (if I remember correctly) that sports people buy that will protect the chest/shoulder area.  If you haven't spoken to the surgeon who is going to implant the pacemaker, I'd be sure to tell him/her of your self defense classes...as it does hurt A LOT when/if the device gets bumped or hit.  Wishing you all the best and please keep us posted on how you do after you get your pacemaker.  Take care.

Pookie

questions

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-10 09:40:49

Did your doctor suggest the leadless or did you find it doing your own research? They are fairly new and limited in use right now so you may not even be a candidate for it.  Most with SSS use rate response, which is when the pacer detects activity and raises your rate accordingly when the heart doesn't go up on its own. I could be wrong, but I don't tihnk Micra has this capability. 

Many of us use one lead either exclusively or most of the time, but it's standard to give us two because sometimes we end up using both of them, and the second lead provides information. The box itself isn't much different, it's just the second lead. 

Make sure your surgeon knows you teach self defense. When I got my first one, I was young and very underweight so my doctor wanted to make sure it was comfortable and wouldn't affect activity since I'd have it for a long time. He brought in a plastic surgeon to assist. EP's know the heart, plastic surgeons know how to make things look and feel good. 

Even if it's well buried, direct hits hurt! They don't do any damage to the pacer because it's titanium but we aren't so tough. These shirts are made by a member here, they may help, but I'd still want it buried under muscle.  https://paceguard.com/

Why two leads? A very simplified answer.

by Gotrhythm - 2018-07-10 13:00:08

At the time I got a dual lead pacemaker, I only needed the atrial lead, because, just like you,  the only problem was that the sinus node wasn't firing frequently enough. (Sick Sinus Syndrome) Once it did fire, the signal easily passed to the rest of the heart.

But as time went on, about 5 years in, problems developed so that the signal to the rest of the heart was sometimes blocked. Then I started to need the ventrical lead in addtion in order to keep my heartbeat regular.

That in a nutshell is why you might get a dual lead pacemaker when at the time, you only have to have a single lead. Your doctor can always turn off the ventrical lead if it's not needed, but if you don't have a ventrical lead and you need it, you will have to have another operation to put in a dual lead pacemaker.

Since you want to participate in the decisions (which I applaud!) I suggest you educate yourself about the electrical conduction system of the heart. There are lots of youtube videos on the subject that can get you up to speed on words like atrium and ventricle and help you understand how the electrical system works and how a pacemaker helps.

PS. The Micra is a wonderful development in pacemaker technology. By all means ask your doctor, but according to what I have read, the Micra's purpose is to pace the ventricles.Since your problem is with the sinus node, which is in the right atrium, it probably won't help you.

Very little Physical Restrictions

by RoboCop - 2018-07-20 12:05:22

LISSH,

I am 30y/o male with a dual-lead Medtronic MRI-safe pacemaker, implanted in 2013 for conduction disease. Resting hr from athletic lifestyle was always around 40, but would drop at times into the 20s which was the problem.

Before and after my implantation, I have been a practicioner of Brazilian jiujitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, boxing, etc., as well as weight training.  I used to compete but now I just train.  I can say that the limitations for me are minimal.  Some positions (if being clinched with forearm/elbow pressure over the device, or in a triangle choke-type position) can have some discomfort, but nothing that makes a difference for wired/wilireless.  The issue is with the device itself.  I've very rarely had to tap-out or take a break because of an odd position, and never had an issue with the actual wires restricting me.  Personally I don't know if I trust wireless, but that's your call.

Also, I only pace in the top chamber, but the extra lead is a precaution and for any future issues I guess, so I don't think it's a bad thing to have.  Direct message me if you have more questions.  I was very nervous about my limitations before getting my device, but I still stay very active and participate in very rough sports.  Good luck!