Cost of lead extraction in the US

I live in East Europe, and my doctors are considering changing my leads of almost 7 years. There is a chance that my leads had some production problems and there is a good chance that they may malfunction at some point 

My doctors do not want to take that chance as my icd has fired and saved my life a couple of times in the past

Although my doctors repeatedly told me that leaving the exsisting leads inside my body will not cause major risks, I am considering extracting the leads

As my insurance is just local, I was wondering the rough cost of extracting icd leads in the US or western Europe doctors or hospitals who are experienced in this field (75-100 operations a year with high success)

As all the potential hospitals I have contacted will not give any figures without a face to face appointment, I will highly appreciate any feedback you can give me. thank you very much

Edit. I have medtronic crt-d. Had a battery change about 2 months ago. They kept the old leads

 

2 Comments

Have you considered the UK?

by donr - 2018-11-04 00:05:39

They have highly competent surgeons there who do this all the ime. There is also a thriving private practice system flourishing that can  handle you.  One of our members, Tattoo Man, had leads extracted in the last year or two.

In the US if you approach a hosp with Cash up front, they will usually negotiate a price considerably lower than the "Rack Rate."

Donr

Thx

by Benjijohn - 2018-11-04 07:38:59

Thanks Swangirl and Donr

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