Most Recent Messages in Batteries & Leads

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ICD replacement

I have a Biotronik ICD, whose battery is nearing end-of-life.  I have never been shocked in 7 years but am paced over 80% of the time. Can I replace the ICD with a pacemaker ( i.e., without the Defibrillator function).  If so, do leads normally have to be removed ( I have 2 ).  Thanks. 

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Leads not lasting

Hello there my daughter recently had a new pacemaker fitted due to lead failure at Birmingham children's hospital we have seen other parents there with children with same issue is this a regular occurrence with pacemakers or are we just unlucky. I understand children grow but surly with how advanced we are with technology this shouldn't be an issue ??

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Battery life--so far!!!--update information

When my pacer was put in the battery life was 12.5 yr at one month check

six months later it dropped to 8 years

six months later it stayed at 8 years

six months later it dropped to 7 years

six months later it dropped to 6.5 years

So in 2 1/2 years it lost 4 years of battery life but leveling off nicely.

I was quite anxious after the first check, but it appears this is a normal discharge rate as it takes awhile for the battery to adjust to the "jui...

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Lead extraction

My daughter pearle is 5 She had operation they extracted the lead from vein & vein collapsed not able to use left vein again she's had it fitted in her abdomen not through the vein and this time fitted a duel pacemaker and decided not to use right Vein on her right side until she is bigger. I feel very worried now she has lost this left vein to insert a lead cardiologist said this is not something to worry about but surly this gives her less options in the future ??

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Wrong lead put in my Mother's pacemaker

My Mom had a pacemaker put in the Fall of 2016. She has had 4 MRI's since then. She needed another a few months ago and it was denied. She has been in severe back pain and needed the MRI. After months of the different offices saying it is fine they did MRI's in the past she finally got to the bottom of it. The doctor that put in the pacemaker, his office said there was a hiccup and the wrong lead was put in. Someone caught it and that is why it was denied. She has suffered crying ever...

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duel-lead pacemaker

I am a 66 year-old female in pretty good health.  My original diagnosis in 2003, was sick sinus syndrome, with implantation of a atrial lead and device.  I had my second (ventricle) lead and Medtronic device implanted in 2015.  Since that time, I have been experiencing awakening at night with racing heart, sweating and a feeling like I want to vomit.  My cardiac doctor has yet to figure to figure out what is going on.  If there is anyone out there with similar symptom...

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Pacemaker lead

Hello Everyone I'm after to some advice as my daughter has a pacemaker since birth (complete congenital heart block ) she is 5 years old in November we had an emergency appointment today.Her pacemaker is under her arm pit she has one lead going through vein to the heart . The doctor has told us the lead is showing a high threshold so need to operate on this Monday and it's a more tricky op than usual due to taking old lead out & could cause a bleed on heart 5 p...

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Alert

Hey everyone, first time on here. Question about the carelink monitor does it have a sound or an alarm like our ICD devices?

Yesterday morning heard an alarm that sounded similar to a low battery alarm (device alarm) but I had my device replaced last year. Couldn't tell if it came from me or the carelink monitor. Happened between 6-7 am and then again at 10pm.

Spoke to the hospital in the morning and they checked my sent transmission and said all is fine but then I heard this...

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Lead From Pacemaker can be seen - thinking of revision to fix it.

Hi:   Looking for some help.   One of my leads on my pacemaker (implant date 02/2015) has moved on top of the device and sticks out, (very visible), just below my collarbone.  Get sore and aches.  Saw my cardio elec. md yesterday and he says he can do a revision to bury the lead deeper in my muscle.  Has anyone else had this issue?   If so, did you have it corrected?   Did the revision work and last?   Any insight from a fellow pacemaker would be a...

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defibulator

Cant the hospital JUST  replace the battery  instead of the the whole devise ? And when they do this they arent inserting new leads into the chamber , rather "  splcing the existing leads to the new devise ???? 

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Lead extraction

Hi Guys, I posted prior to my lead extraction, now I'm a week and half post extraction:

The lead extraction and replacement was successful, much more involved than I remember initially having pm inplamted 8 ago. Actually one was to be replaced but as I was on the table the other lead also showed "noise ", so both were replaced. I wanted the pm replaced in order not to go through it in 3 yrs, battery life left. The dr did put in MRI compatible leads, st Jude. Side note, wis...

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Fixed length of pacemaker leads

I am not a happy pacemaker wearer and I think this is because I was told that I needed one withoutever experiencing any symptoms and there is no evidence from my 6 monthly checks that it has ever "kicked in" in "anger".

I am an active 50 something, I still play football (soccer) and I mountain bike. My initial fitting was sub-dermal and was a real pain, so I had it re-fitted beneath my pectoral muscle.  This has been excellent in many ways, I can't find...

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Battery change

Hi.  I have some questions. If a battery is getting low. How low does it need to get before surgery is needed?  Also is it true that insurance companies will not pay unless the battery life is within 3 months? Any information is much appreciated 

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Pacemaker

I was told that my pacemaker works 98% of the time. I exercise on a Octane machine 33 minutes. I am very active Dailey. It's been 18 months since I received my PM. Just joined this group as I got to thinking about my health. At 75 Yrs with battery life of about 11 yrs supposedely what are the chances of me getting another battery at that time. Is there really a possible answer at this time. 

Doc has no issue with me driving a 45' MH.  He said I am 100% better than...

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Trouble during pacemaker generator replacement

Hi all !

Yesterday morning I had my pacemaker replaced. I found out when I was in recovery that my cardiologist had a difficult time removing one of the leads from the old pacemaker. He told me he tried for 90 mintues, called all kinds of people for help but was unsuccessful because the nut/screw was corroded and it would not detach. So finally he called the manufacturer for help and they just told him to cut it off and cap it. So now I only have a working lead in the ventricle which&nb...

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Lead extraction

hi Harrie, one lead, it's the one that goes to the lower part, I asked about replacing both but they said the other is fine , it's the more active lead, upper, 97% , lower is 2%. They think it may be due to my job, caddying, carry doubles so it may be wear and tare. I'm not sure how it gets worn in a vein under my skin and collarbone.

im actually hoping my Dr changes the pm out also(3 yrs left), for obvious reasons. Not covered by insurance, too early.

having it done n...

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Lead extraction

Hi All

just posting a positive story for those that might be considering lead extraction. I've just had my second in 4 years with no complications. Maintaining the MRI functionality of the system was important to me ( capped leads are a contraindication for an MRI). I had a good electrophysiologist and the surgical protocol ensures availability of emergency treatment so I felt quite safe even though the possibility of a major complication was quoted as one percent. 

Harri...

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Lead Revision after 2 months with device

I recently underwent a lead revision 3 weeks ago after getting my initial pacemaker in May of this year. Both leads ripped out and my doctor said it was from putting my arm above my head. Now I'm freaking out because I don't want them to rip out again. Has this happened to anyone else? 

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3 vs 2 leads

I have been 100% dependent on pacemaker for 16 years and just got my 3rd pacer.  the 2nd pacer went into battery save mode and reduced my heart rate to 50 bpm (fisher scientific).  Has anyone heard of this?  Also they gave me three leads this time because I do have mild heart failure (45% ef).  Just implanted two weeks ago and I'm feeling better.  Any comments on this?  I'm 56 years old.

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Battery Question

Hi all! I have had my atrial based pacemaker for almost two years now. The other day I had an EKG done and the impression was that my atrial pacemaker had replaced my sinus rhythm. Has anyone else experienced this? And if so, how long until you needed a battery replacement?

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You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.