Pacemaker Alergy

I have had three Medtronic pacemakers since July 1992 with original Medtronic leads. After sixteen years of satisfaction of quality life the worst happens. My Medtronic Enrythem PM which I really enjoyed was showing signs of rejection. Over a period of six months of carefull observation my cardioligist finally decided to pull my PM two weeks ago. Luckily I'm OK without (limp mode). Question is, Alergy test showed Titanium and two plastics positive. My left chest has severe scar tissue buildup, no infection. My doctor hasn't come up with many answers, not sure if he wants leads removed. He defintely has to install new leads & PM on right area of chest. I'm worried about lead alergy and also coated or bagged Teflon PM on replacement. He's working with St. Jude at this time. Being I'm a newcomer of this web site as of today, but a pacemaker veteran I would really like to have some feedback from members! Thank You!donb

5 Comments

I know there are others...

by turboz24 - 2008-12-18 09:12:04

I know 2 others have posted about titanium/chromium allergies also. I think both of them ended up with horrible reactions within 6 months of the implant. I'm sure they will post up soon enough.

alergy/rejection

by donb - 2008-12-19 03:12:11

In reply to anette, as to my problem I felt that for months there was a problem. It started to swell at the very top where the leads attach to the PM. No redness but rather itching, then the swelling moved down gradually on each edge within the pouch. After that the whole pouch got puffy with some pain. I did read Electric Frank's reply from weeks ago where he mentioned about poor connections of leads to PM causing a problem with body fluids and PM connections. Two years ago last July when my 3rd replacement was put in connected to the original leads my Dr. told me I had a bad lead but not to worry because he paralled them and the next time around new leads would be in order. Well as an electronic person all my life I questioned this for two years and I'm quite sure what he really meant was one lead had an insulation crack causing interaction. Another reason to ask, ask, ask. Now it's a matter of wait and see, hopefully my SSS doesn't change without a PM as records show I'm paced 20% of the time. As a newcomer I sure appreciate the sharing. Thanks donb

rejection PM signs

by anette - 2008-12-19 09:12:46

I have also problems with my dual chamber medtronic pacemaker which was implanted 3 months ago.I don't know if it is a low infection(without high fever),pacemaker syndrom or allergy.What's signs of rejection have you had? I HOPE that you don't have a lead allergy,because 6 months after implant,maybe is recommended a laser extraction?
all my best.
Anette.

PM Allergy

by 60bpm - 2008-12-22 07:12:51

Hi Don,
I was suprised to read your post. I'm one of those who share your allergy problems. I had my first implant July 31, it was burning up inside me and was corroded within 6 weeks when it was removed 9/16/08. I am curious to know though what your lead serial numbers are. There is another pt on here that also had complications with the same leads (serial numbers) that I had. It does make you wonder if there was a problem with the manufacturing process of this batch of leads doesn't it? I began to have the same problems with the burning sensation about 4wks post op with this pm but by the grace of God, the pain has stopped. I feel great these days.


I hope they get to the bottom of your issue soon.
Diane

PM Allergy

by donb - 2008-12-23 12:12:08

Hi Diane,
I'm a real newcomer to this group and can't believe the sharing. It's the only way, you certainly don't always get the support as I do from my wife who works Cardiac. Once in a while she gets info as she shares the paperwork desk with my Cardiologist at the hospital.
My leads July29, l992 are model 452453
serial# LAR009273V and 402458 serial# LAJ026030V.
My wife also talked to the St. Jude rep while at work yesterday and they are checking on the allergy results. I might also mention that it takes what seems like forever sometimes in healing. It's been three weeks since pulling my pacemaker and the bruising is gone but still some pain and a puffy pouch. Placement of my PM was right on top of muscle which I believe contributed in developing allergy rejection as I had no problems with the 2 PM"s prior past14 years. Glad to hear from you and Thank You for support! I'm sure you will have quality life having your PM as thousands have.
donb

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.