Pacemaker battery being replaced

Hi there, I'm posting on behalf of my wife.  She is due to get her battery replaced as she has between 2 to 10 months left in it.  they say the replacement may not be like for like and maybe a bit smaller.  If this is the case they'll put it in a different spot as the existing one may have too large a pocket. My question is 'when the batteries for pacemakers begin to run down are they as efficient at the end of their life as they are at the beginning' ?

Thanks CD76

4 Comments

Define "efficient"

by AgentX86 - 2022-08-12 18:46:26

Are you asking whether the pacemaker slows down, like the bunny's competition, no, not until way after its EOL (End of Life) is signaled. At EOL the pacemaker will shut down some features to conserve battery life.

Before EOL, there is an ERI (Elective Replacement Indicator) warning that signals that there is about three months left until  EOL).

end of service

by Tracey_E - 2022-08-13 10:51:13

There is a mode at the end, elective replacement (ERI), which is similar to the gas light in the car and lasts about 3 months. It is still fully functional at this time. This is when most of us have it replaced. If it goes to the next mode, end of service (EOL or EOS) it will keep us safe but function is limited so it doesn't feel so good. It paces at a steady rate, usually 60.

I'm on my 5th. Some have been a bit smaller, some a bit bigger. I would request they use the same pocket even if it's not quite the same size.  They can stitch it in place. Putting it in a new location means starting over again with a new pocket, new scar tissue, new incision. The pocket gets a bit numb as scar tissue builds which means replacements don't hurt nearly as much as the first placement. There isn't that  much difference in size, imo a new pocket if it's not exactly the same is overkill and unnecessary. 

End of Service

by CD76 - 2022-08-13 15:57:50

Thank you Tracy and AgentX86 much appreciated. I'll pass this info on and great to know you are still doing well after 4 and still going strong.. Good additionnal information here regarding ERI and EOL.  Thanks again.. 

End of battery life in 5ish minths

by Tinawired - 2022-09-15 01:32:03

This really helps me understand what I'm facing! Being far from the hospital had me concerned, but NIW I feel better about how the replacement is handled. Thank you!

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