Pacemaker Info

[Debster]

Hello All! My mom had mitral valve replacement with an oinker last year. She had an echo today, and her valve looks great She does, however, need some kind of new 2 lead pacemaker..her heart in not beating in sync. I say new because her cardio says it has been out only a year or so. Does anyone have any info for me? I know this is not a lot of info-will have to talk to her more. Thanks so much...oh cool ones! Deb

 

[Nan]

Don't know too much about any new pacemakers, but I have a two lead pacemaker that was placed due to atrial fibrillation and meds for same which cause a really low heart rate.

The insertion of the pacemaker appeared to be a really minor surgery. I had "conscious" sedation....meaning they did not have to support me with a ventilator, although I was asleep. The wires go down through veins and the actual pacemaker, which is really small, goes into a little pocket they make in the chest...very small scar, and you hardly know it is there.

They check mine both in the cardio's office every couple of months as well as by telephone. The company, Raytel, sent me a little monitor, I put on my electrodes and when they call me (scheduled) I put the phone over the monitor and they can test the pacemaker. They also sent a magnet which you have to put over the pacemaker at one point during the test.

Hope this is of help. Good luck to your mom.

 

[KIDROCK77]

Was it a 'biventricular pacemaker' that they wanted to put in? Those are pretty new, but they are supposed to help the heart pump better as well as pace, or something like that. Medtronic.com has info about them.

 

[barbwil]

Do some serious investigation...

Do some serious investigation...

on the various makes of pacemakers because there were a number of recalls this year. Unfortunately the manufacturers of some were less than forthcoming to the patients who had them implanted; they had to see the recalls in the NEWS. Some went through another surgery to get a new one (who pays the bill on that?); others just decided to leave it in and take their chances. I have had a St. Jude for almost 4 years now with no problems. I would also make sure she gets it put in by an EP (electrophysiologist), not just any cardiologist.

 

[Debster]

Thanks for the replies everyone-yes, it is a biventricular pacer...she is getting an appointment with dr who this kind of deal is his specialty, not her own cardio. I am hoping this helps her with her chf issues Deb