Replacing Leads

Is there any difference between replacing a defibrilator lead and a pacemaker lead?

I note that in the Medtronics recently recalled defibrilator leads, due to fracturing, literature notes the serious risk in replacing the lead, including blood vessel and heart tears.

I have a pacemaker and was told that leads sometimes may have to be replaced and that it was little more difficult then replacing the pacemaker. The defibrilator lead literature notes much more serious risks for lead replacement.

Any significant difference between pacemaker and defibrilator lead replacement?

5 Comments

Replacing My Leads

by TexasLinda - 2007-12-31 08:12:02

My last pacemaker was implanted July 2006. But, I have old leads (Medtronic were the last). Yesterday morning I woke up with extreme lightheadedness. I just laid there. Then I had a spell that jolted me out of bed. We went to the ER and they did a check on me. Pacemaker is fine, but the lead has a fracture. The first thought was to go it and drop in a new lead. But, then they realized that I already have 3 in there. So, it looks like I'm set to have laser lead extraction. They did some 'tweeking' so that my lead is not bipolar, but now unipolar and therefore I won't be passing out or getting light headed any more until they 'fix' me, but this is a temporary fix. Of course, this happened on a Sunday, today is New Year's Eve and tomorrow is New Year's. Eventhough I am at the Heart Hospital of Austin, they are short staffed due to holiday and the weekend. Since this procedure is somewhat involved, they will be deciding today whether to wait until Wednesday. So, here I sit. They don't want me to leave the hopsital. Any information would be helpful. Anyone been through this procedure? I know it does have added risks.

Linda

Lead Fracture

by stable - 2008-01-01 06:01:01

Looks like you will experience the proceedure that I was raising a question about, so I can not be much help technically to you. What is a "laser lead extraction"?

I surely am sorry to hear about your plight at this time of the year. Just one more day of hospital food and no sleep. They never let you sleep in the hospital.

Beleive you are at an excellent hospital for your heart needs and will likely get the best of electro physiology surgery.

I guess having a pacemaker brings along a certain amount of uncertainty about "what may happen next." , but that is true of life in general.

I wish you peace and much success in the lead replacement surgery. God Bless

extraction

by kmhayward - 2008-01-01 06:01:48

Laser Lead extraction is better than the old way trust me. In the past, lead extraction surgery involved placing a counterweight on the lead and gradually pulling it out. This often resulted in the lead breaking or damage to the surrounding heart tissue. Now they pass a sheath with a laser built in down over the lead. This then cuts through the scar tissue holding the lead in place and the lead is then gently pulled out. Doesn't hurt and takes about the same time as the original implant. This technique, as you can see, is so much safer than just giving it a good yank and hoping for the best.

Extraction

by stable - 2008-01-02 05:01:23

Yhanks for the fill in on laser lead extraction. It was comforting to understand the procedure.

laser lead extraction

by pbhut99 - 2008-04-22 10:04:52

The last comment by kmhayward "laser is much safer than just giving it a good yank and hoping for the best."
Yup, sounds like the "good ol days."

Like when they used to take out stitches. OOUCH!!!
I'm 38 and have a complete heart block, bradycardia, and had my first pacer put in when I was 4. I'm on my 6th one that's on it's last 3-8 months of battery life.

The laser lead extraction procedure interests me. I still have a set of leads from when I was little in me and the thought of them being there bothers me sometimes.

Sure would like to know what the top 3 hospitals are that do that procedure successfully. I live in Michigan.
I think I hear a vacation calling. Road trip anyone?

I found this site today. I'm still learning about this pacemaker stuff, even at my age. Thanks to all who post questions and comments.
pam (pbhut99)

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.