Pacemaker change to 3 wire pacemaker from 2 wire.

My Cardio Doctor stronly sugests I change to a 3 wire pacemaker. I've only had current 2 wire for 3 years. He says it will make a big difference in blood flow.

Anyone experience this situation?

3 Comments

3 wire pacemaker

by DAVID H - 2018-07-12 19:41:34

From the brochure regarding my Medtronic VIVA XT CRT pacemaker: One lead is placed inside the right atrium, another inside the right ventricle, and a third placed inside a vein on the outside of the left ventricle. If the PM dtects an irregular heart rhythm, it provides therapy to the heart. 1. Cardiac resynchronization therapy to both sides of the heart    2. Rate-responsive pacing to adjust to varying levels of activity. 3. Antitachycardia pacing.

--Dave--

CRT-P

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-12 22:00:11

What your cardiologist is descibing is a CRT-P (CRT = Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy,  -P = pacemaker, -D = Defibrillator).  CRT devices are used to more naturally pace the heart.  Originally, these were used for people with heart failure to help the heart pump more efficiently.  It's been discovered that they also help keep people, with pacemakers, from having pacemaker induced heart failure. 

Are you having problems with heart failure? If not, it could be that your cardiologist is on top of things and doesn't want you there.  I think CRT pacemakers are going to be pretty standard for people with heart block because they do a much more natural pacing.  The cost is the additional lead, which isn't nothing.  Evidently it's a difficult lead to place and not all cardios are good at it.

BTW, I have a CRT-P, though only the two leads in the ventricles. Because of constant Aflutter, my atria can't be paced (sensed) so they're left to do nothing.

 

3rd Lead

by DAVID H - 2018-07-12 22:10:04

AgentX86 said:  The cost is the additional lead, which isn't nothing.  Evidently it's a difficult lead to place and not all cardios are good.   Yup, my third lead is not in an optimal location and my device clinic nurse has stated it's causing my PM to consume more battery power. Original 2 - lead PM was replaced in Jan 2015 with a 3-lead CRT.  I'm currently on monthly battery checks due to the diminishing reserve of my units power.

--Dave--

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