New type of ICD with no wires

Hi,
I was just wondering if anyone had heard of this.
While at my last visit to my Cardiologist I asked him about new technologies on the horizon for ICD's. He told me that in a few years ICD's won't even have leads anymore. They are apparently coming out with a technology where they somehow screw or attach a bullet shaped device (that's how he described it) into the heart and it communicates wirelessly with the box in your chest. This supposedly will eliminate any problems with broken leads etc.
If this is true I would think they'd be able to make the box in your chest smaller since the capacitor to shock you will be part of the bullet shaped device.
Now I've tried to look up information about such a device online and have found nothing. Has anyone heard about this or know anything at all about it?? Just curious. Thanks!

4 Comments

No Leads?

by hooimom - 2007-12-21 04:12:36

That would be FABULOUS! If they could do it with an ICD surely they could do it with a PM don't you think? I am going to pray that my leads hold out until this device comes out since the leads are what caused my collapsed lung. I am going to the EP next month and I'll have to ask her about this one. She has mentioned that new techonolgy is on the way but nothing specific.

Michelle

I'm not so sure

by ElectricFrank - 2007-12-22 01:12:38

Remember that wireless communication between the heart module and a control unit somewhere else involves the use of radio frequencies. While the two units would be close to each other they would still be susceptible to interference. They are just beginning to get the current units to the place where they aren't bothered by outside electrical fields.
The other item is the life of the heart module. It wouldn't be nearly as easy to replace as our chest units or even our leads. While it isn't very common having a lead come loose in the heart does happen. Suppose the device screwed into the heart comes loose and heads downstream into the lungs or brain. I'll take my chances with the leads.
frank

yeah me either

by kyle0816 - 2007-12-22 10:12:51

Yeah Frank I have no clue how exactly the bullet shaped thing would be attached to the heart. Like I said he just mentioned it and I didn't get real in depth with him about it so I'm not exactly sure how it will all work. We'll see in the years to come I suppose.

Waiting for the new wireless ICD

by Rolfr11 - 2015-09-11 03:09:46

I have a broken lead from continuos weight bearing movement above my head, rock climbing. As explained to me by the cardiologist, the lead to the ICD goes between a narrow bone opening under your collar and shoulder bone. Continued raising of your arm above your head can wear the insulation on the lead, rendering it useless.
I am an active 63 year old, rock climb, cycle 70- 90 miles per week.
My cardiologist suggested the new wireless device for me and is submitting an application to the board that governs the procedure. The device is extremely expensive and your condition must reach certain criteria.

Explanation of the device; it is larger than an ICD , about the size of a man's wallet and it is implanted on your left side mid way between the waist and armpit. There are still wires that cross your abdomen and sit under the skin above your heart, sending a pulse to your heart when necessary. no leads directly attached to the heat or sub venous.
It only shocks and does not have the ability to pace.

In ten days I will know if the Canadian board will approve my application, fingers crossed. Then a meeting with Cardiologists and representatives from the manufacturer.

So far the cardiologist has successfully implanted 110 of these new devices.
I will post more later.

You know you're wired when...

Your signature looks like an EKG.

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I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.