ICD leads causing Triicuspid damage

[hook]

I am slated to get an ICD next week, but am very concerned about how the leads run down through the tricuspid valve. As you can guess I a little protective over my remaining valves.:wink2:

Has anyone here had or heard of tricuspid damage as a result of the leads. I know it can happen, but I wonder how much. My EP says less than 1%, but I think he pulled that number out of his a_ _. I also wonder how long these leads can stay in the heart before valve damage is inevitable.

 

[AgilityDog]

Yes it can happen. I just had an AVR with tricuspid repair with annuloplasty ring. My surgeon said all the ICD leads running through the tricuspid caused the regurge in that valve. Of course, all the regurge from my aortic valve certainly contributed to the secondary valve issues.

 

[Duffey]

I've never heard of it, but I'm glad you brought it up. I learn something new everyday around this place.

 

[kfay]

It can happen, but obviously, it must not happen very often considering how many people there are with pacers. I have a porcine tricuspid valve and because of this exact issue, I have been told if I ever need one, it will have to be placed outside the heart so it doesn't tear up my valve.


Kim

 

[hook]

It can happen, but obviously, it must not happen very often considering how many people there are with pacers. I have a porcine tricuspid valve and because of this exact issue, I have been told if I ever need one, it will have to be placed outside the heart so it doesn't tear up my valve.


Kim

Those external shockers will be along soon, provided the FDA doesn't stonewall. BTW Laurie, how long did you have the devise in?

 

[AgilityDog]

I got my pacemaker a week after my MVR. Sept 2006. I got the ICD December 2007 because of v-tach.

But my aortic valve was leaking at the time of my MVR and continued to deteriorate. I just couldn't have them both done at the same time, with the maze on top. I was so ill I nearly died as it was.

1 month short of 4 years to AVR surgery, including the tricuspid repair.

I see my EP next week and intend to ask her about the leads issue.