Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific with Medtronic leads

by IAN MC - 2018-08-08 12:29:05

Hi Napa    I haven't had a similar experience but it seems to me that the main difference  between your old Medtronic PM and your currrent Boston model is how they detect movement if you have Rate Response switched on so this is probably the cause of the problem.

Medtronic uses a single sensor which detects motion/ vibration and then increases your heart rate. Boston uses 2 sensors, one which works like Medtronic's, the other known as a " Minute ventilation sensor " detects changes in your breathing and then increases your heart rate. You can have both , neither , or just one of the sensors switched on.

Earlier this year Boston sent out a letter to physicians warning them that there was a glitch with the ventilation sensors in some of its pacemakers. The glitch causes " over-sensing " so would affect the way you feel unless you are absolutely still.

Importantly ,this was stated to be more likely to cause problems  if the Boston PM was used in conjunction with right ventricle leads made by Medtronic !

This may possibly be the cause of your problem If so there are probably 2 solutions

i) Switch off the ventilation sensor and just rely on the motion sensor so it should then function like your old Medtronic PM

ii) Get a software update from Boston  Scientific to sort out the glitch

I am not an expert and it may be something totally different but this is certainly worth raising with your PM gurus

Best of luck

Ian

Boston Scientific

by NapaPM - 2018-08-08 22:17:30

Thanks, Ian. Unfortunately we have studied the recall and in fact the "MV sensor" has never been employed on my device nor is it set in the "passive" mode.It is in the "Off" position. It is interesting though that the symptoms described in  the publication you reference are identical to mine.

JCK

JCK

by IAN MC - 2018-08-09 05:16:30

As I am considering changing fom my current Medtronic to a Boston Scientific would you let us know what happens at the Cleveland Clinic. Thanks.

Ian

Boston Scientific

by NapaPM - 2018-08-09 12:38:16

Absolutely

MV should be in “passive” mode

by Chooka - 2018-08-10 07:04:28

I have had massive problems with my Boston Scientific Minute Ventilation, even if it was switched off. The only way to get relief was to have it switched to ‘passive’. Turning it off made little difference....oh and I have a St Jude lead which is a contributing factor.

Boston Scientific

by NapaPM - 2018-08-15 16:52:53

Chooka-are you aware of the recall? That document states the opposite - put it in the 'off' mode. And were your side effects the same as mine, i.e. llight headed dizzy headache?

Thx, JCK