Traveling Pacemaker

There have been a number of posts recently concerning a pacemaker migrating away from the original site. Here is reprint of a section in the Medtronics Implant Procedures section of the technical manual.

Securing the Pacemaker
A suture placed through the suture hole located in the connector assembly area helps secure the pacemaker in the subcutaneous pocket, thus minimizing post-implant rotation and migration of the device. Use normal surgical needles to penetrate the suture hole.

It seems that many surgeons are skipping this step and leave the pacemaker to do its own thing in the pocket. This could be considered a surgical error or possibly even malpractice.

My pacemaker has never moved since implant. I asked the surgeon during the surgery about what kept it in place and he told me he had sutured it down. He also mentioned that he felt it was necessary to protect the leads.

Though this might help some of you who are having a problem

4 Comments

Thanks Frank

by Blueaustralia - 2008-08-04 09:08:42

Hi Frank

Just to let you know how much I alone appreciate all your technical comments. What would we all do without you? Thanks a bunch for just being there.

Billie

PM migration

by maryanne - 2008-08-04 11:08:37

I have never experienced my PM migrating but when they changed my last lead the lead was left in and it migrated to the top of my PM and made for a terrible site...almost like it was going to bust through my skin...needless to say I had to go and have that fixed...while the surgeon was in there he opted repositioned my PM...not sure that I like it now because it is very close to my axilla and makes it uncomfortable to sleep. Ah the joys of it all....the human body and what a balancing act it is.....and yet a wonderful machine.....

THATS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

by pete - 2008-08-05 03:08:06

My pacemaker moves up and down and from side to side by about 3 inches every time I use my arms which yo can imagine is not infrequent. This does concern me as I am 100% pacemaker dependant and I am therfore concerned abuot my leads fracturing. I have mentioned it to the tecnicians and they told me not to fiddle with it which I thought was an odd comment as it moves of its own accord. I would greatly appreciate if anyone did know for sure if this was a serious issue.Cheers pete

Asked my EP Today....

by LIVE_STRONG - 2008-08-05 04:08:07

I actually just bumped into my EP while getting an X-Ray at the hospital. I told him I still can't feel my pm...and that I wasn't
going to mess with it because I don't want to cause it to move. I am only 12 days post-op.
He stated..."it won't move..".I sutured it down inside the pocket...the lead is also anchored down very well'.

I was so happy to hear that! So Frank is right...ask if you are in doubt...it should have been done! And for sure ask if your getting a replacement or a new implant!

Holly

You know you're wired when...

You read consumer reports before upgrading to a new model.

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