Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Lead replacement is very complex and you should find someone who has done it several times over and is good at it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and/or travel to the best. IF they are removed they are removed with a laser. Sometimes they just abandoned the leads and run new ones. I personally feel if you are young you should have them removed. I feel that it is better to remove them the younger you are and the shorter time they have been in place because of the scar tissue around them. Also if you are young and the leads generally last about 15 years, then you could end up with alot of leads in your body and no place to run more. I know it is alot to think about, but hopefully this has helped you to ask the right questions of your Docs. Good luck and keep us posted. ~guin Retrieving leads I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple implantation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Thanks, Guin I am sixty five and was implanted three years ago. I've already had the leads repositioned once. Guin Van Dyke <guin@...> wrote: Lead replacement is very complex and you should find someone who has done it several times over and is good at it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and/or travel to the best. IF they are removed they are removed with a laser. Sometimes they just abandoned the leads and run new ones. I personally feel if you are young you should have them removed. I feel that it is better to remove them the younger you are and the shorter time they have been in place because of the scar tissue around them. Also if you are young and the leads generally last about 15 years, then you could end up with alot of leads in your body and no place to run more. I know it is alot to think about, but hopefully this has helped you to ask the right questions of your Docs. Good luck and keep us posted. ~guin Retrieving leads I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple implantation. What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Dear Mae, I think that it is good that you have written to this group. You begin to find that that there is nothing new under the sun. If you think that you have a distinct situation, you find out that there are others out there who have been there, done that. We are all just human beings trying to keep alive. My husband just had ANOTHER lead replacement. He had a lead fracture last year in September 2006. He had that lead replaced in September, 2006 but the new one was also on the recall list. His heart doctor in Florida, decided to go ahead and replace his whole ICD unit plus put in two leads this time. He wanted my husband to have peace of mind and to enjoy his life again. That operation was done this past December. One of the new leads displaced itself within a few weeks, and moved into his upper chamber, thus making the device useless. So, my husband had to undergo another operation, this time to move the lead back to its original spot. Unfortunately, the doctor ran into too much resistance and he had to implant another lead. My husband is recuperating again. This time he is not allowed to use his left arm. So, if you need peace of mind and you need the procedure done, you might a well go ahead and have it done. The bottom line is your own personal well being. BE HEALTHY. Jeanette King. --- maewestunderwood <maewestunderwood@...> wrote: > I found out yesterday that one of my leads is > fractured and another has > wandered from where it is supposed to be. The > result is that I am > getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is > ok, so I am > protected until I can get this fixed. My question > is: how serious is > the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more > complex than a simple > implantation. > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 There is risk. Make sure you are in experienced hands. How long have you had your leads? The longer you have had the leads, the riskier it is. I had mine removed in 7/07 because my lead was causing me to have VT. Dr. Epstein at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston did my surgery. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of maewestunderwood Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 1:44 PM Subject: Retrieving leads I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple implantation. __________ NOD32 2785 (20080111) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 > > I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has > wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am > getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am > protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is > the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple > implantation. > Removing leads is more risky and complicated than placing them. From what I've read, removal should only be entrusted to someone who specializes in removal and had done hundreds of removals. The Cleveland Clinic has the experience to do this (I don't recall the Dr.'s name right offhand and I'm in Taiwan now on business). There's also, as I understand it, a center in Boston and another in Texas (and I would assume probably California, Chicago, etc.) that are up to the task. Research it and don't be afraid to " shop " for the expertise you need and feel comfortable with ... Best wishes ... hope my Fidelis lead holds up ... Carl (Implanted Oct 9, 2007 with Medtronic Virtuoso DR and a Sprint Fidelis lead in my ventricle. 1st and only zap so far Dec 6, 2007) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 The man who will doing the retrieval does nothing else but retrievals. He is part of a premier cardiology group in St. Louis called Metro Heart Center. I have had good results with the other two cardiologists from the group who have performed procedures. I'm assuming I'm in good hands. But you know what they say about assumption. "Carl R. son" <wk3c@...> wrote: >> I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has > wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am > getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am > protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is > the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple > implantation.>Removing leads is more risky and complicated than placing them. From what I've read, removal should only be entrusted to someone who specializes in removal and had done hundreds of removals.The Cleveland Clinic has the experience to do this (I don't recall the Dr.'s name right offhand and I'm in Taiwan now on business). There's also, as I understand it, a center in Boston and another in Texas (and I would assume probably California, Chicago, etc.) that are up to the task.Research it and don't be afraid to "shop" for the expertise you need and feel comfortable with ...Best wishes ... hope my Fidelis lead holds up ...Carl(Implanted Oct 9, 2007 with Medtronic Virtuoso DR and a Sprint Fidelis lead in my ventricle. 1st and only zap so far Dec 6, 2007)What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???. Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 uh huh!!!!!! usually the cause of my constipation!! From: maewestunderwood@...Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:55:20 -0800Subject: Re: Re: Retrieving leads The man who will doing the retrieval does nothing else but retrievals. He is part of a premier cardiology group in St. Louis called Metro Heart Center. I have had good results with the other two cardiologists from the group who have performed procedures. I'm assuming I'm in good hands. But you know what they say about assumption. "Carl R. son" <wk3c@...> wrote: >> I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has > wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am > getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am > protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is > the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple > implantation.>Removing leads is more risky and complicated than placing them. From what I've read, removal should only be entrusted to someone who specializes in removal and had done hundreds of removals.The Cleveland Clinic has the experience to do this (I don't recall the Dr.'s name right offhand and I'm in Taiwan now on business). There's also, as I understand it, a center in Boston and another in Texas (and I would assume probably California, Chicago, etc.) that are up to the task.Research it and don't be afraid to "shop" for the expertise you need and feel comfortable with ...Best wishes ... hope my Fidelis lead holds up ...Carl(Implanted Oct 9, 2007 with Medtronic Virtuoso DR and a Sprint Fidelis lead in my ventricle. 1st and only zap so far Dec 6, 2007)What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about???. Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Put your friends on the big screen with Windows Vista® + Windows Live™. Start now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 I¹m a bit of an ole hand at lead extractions. I¹m on my 4th AICD in less than four years (but that's another story) and each time the device was replaced the doctor extracted the old leads and put in new leads with the new device. Extraction can be more difficult the longer you've had the device. It depends on how much fibrosis there is, the condition of the vein used, etc. You definitely want to have a surgeon do the lead extraction as opposed to your EP. If for any reason there is a problem, an EP would have to call in a cardio-thoracic surgeon anyway to crack the chest and remove the lead that way. Hopefully, that won't happen, and I've been told that the laser technology has advanced so much in just the past few years that there is virtually no longer any need for a thoracotomy in order to extract a lead. I'm in Miami and the surgeon I use is Dr. Carrillo at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach (www.msmc.com). I believe he is one of the few surgeons in the area certified to do laser lead extractions. Good luck, Adam ============================= Adam Tel: 305.891.2326 Fax: 305.891.6222 E-Fax: 866.792.6103 Cel: 305.970.8565 Email: adam@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 13, 2008 Report Share Posted January 13, 2008 > > I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has > wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am > getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am > protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is > the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple > implantation. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I have had my leads retrived, depending on how long it has been implanted well decide how long the surg will take. It is somewhat more painfull because of the scare tissue. Good luck Sandymaewestunderwood <maewestunderwood@...> wrote: I found out yesterday that one of my leads is fractured and another has wandered from where it is supposed to be. The result is that I am getting no pacing from my device. The defib lead is ok, so I am protected until I can get this fixed. My question is: how serious is the lead retrieval surgery? I know i t's more complex than a simple implantation. Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 Adam, Why are you on your 4th ICD? From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Adam Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 10:45 PM Subject: Re: Retrieving leads I¹m a bit of an ole hand at lead extractions. I¹m on my 4th AICD in less than four years (but that's another story) and each time the device was replaced the doctor extracted the old leads and put in new leads with the new device. Extraction can be more difficult the longer you've had the device. It depends on how much fibrosis there is, the condition of the vein used, etc. You definitely want to have a surgeon do the lead extraction as opposed to your EP. If for any reason there is a problem, an EP would have to call in a cardio-thoracic surgeon anyway to crack the chest and remove the lead that way. Hopefully, that won't happen, and I've been told that the laser technology has advanced so much in just the past few years that there is virtually no longer any need for a thoracotomy in order to extract a lead. I'm in Miami and the surgeon I use is Dr. Carrillo at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach (www.msmc.com). I believe he is one of the few surgeons in the area certified to do laser lead extractions. Good luck, Adam ============================= Adam Tel: 305.891.2326 Fax: 305.891.6222 E-Fax: 866.792.6103 Cel: 305.970.8565 Email: adamadamrogers (DOT) net __________ NOD32 2789 (20080114) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I've had a variety of issues with my ICDs: ICD #1 - fractured lead within a year of implantation ICD #2 - battery died after shocking me 45 times in one hour (that was fun) ICD #3 - hematoma formed; vegetation grew on the ventricular lead ICD #4 was placed on my right side of my chest due to the amount of scar tissue on the left side. To be honest, I think my main problem was that I let a Cardiologist (not a board certified EP) put the first one in and that's where all the trouble started. If I had known then what I do now I would never have let him do the procedure. I would have insisted on either a Cardiac Surgeon or an EP. My philosophy now: anytime someone comes near my chest with a scalpel, they're going to be a surgeon!!! Adam ============================= Adam Tel: 305.891.2326 Fax: 305.891.6222 E-Fax: 866.792.6103 Cel: 305.970.8565 Email: adam@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 Adam, At least you will have fun when they monitor your ICD. The cardiologist who put in my pacemaker put it on the right side and when I needed the ICD the EP doc didn't want to add another pocket on the other side. The technicians almost always put the sensor on the wrong side. Depending on my mood I sometimes wait until they can't get a signal before I tell them that the ICD is on the other side. I can't imagine what 45 minutes of being shocked must have been like. I'm still praying that I never get shocked but I know that it could save my life so I will get over it. Take care, Joe Schmidt God Loves Us All But isn't always happy with us! Re: Retrieving leads I've had a variety of issues with my ICDs: ICD #1 - fractured lead within a year of implantation ICD #2 - battery died after shocking me 45 times in one hour (that was fun) ICD #3 - hematoma formed; vegetation grew on the ventricular lead ICD #4 was placed on my right side of my chest due to the amount of scar tissue on the left side. To be honest, I think my main problem was that I let a Cardiologist (not a board certified EP) put the first one in and that's where all the trouble started. If I had known then what I do now I would never have let him do the procedure. I would have insisted on either a Cardiac Surgeon or an EP. My philosophy now: anytime someone comes near my chest with a scalpel, they're going to be a surgeon!!! Adam ============================= Adam Tel: 305.891.2326 Fax: 305.891.6222 E-Fax: 866.792.6103 Cel: 305.970.8565 Email: adam@... Be sure to visit and use other ZapLife.org services: The ZapperBBS at http://zaplife.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=1 1 - Email list forum at / 2 - Email delivery of the Zapper Newsletter at 2/ 3 - Email list forum for those involved in ICD litigation at 3/ ZapChat - Real time online support group (Thursdays 8PM EST) at http://www.zaplife.org/chat.html ZapFAQs - A glossary of ICD/arrhythmia terms and abbreviations at http://www.zaplife.org/zap4.htm The ZAPPER Home page at http://www.zaplife.org/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2008 Report Share Posted January 15, 2008 Geez.. Are you ok now? From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Adam Sent: Monday, January 14, 2008 5:12 PM Subject: Re: Retrieving leads I've had a variety of issues with my ICDs: ICD #1 - fractured lead within a year of implantation ICD #2 - battery died after shocking me 45 times in one hour (that was fun) ICD #3 - hematoma formed; vegetation grew on the ventricular lead ICD #4 was placed on my right side of my chest due to the amount of scar tissue on the left side. To be honest, I think my main problem was that I let a Cardiologist (not a board certified EP) put the first one in and that's where all the trouble started. If I had known then what I do now I would never have let him do the procedure. I would have insisted on either a Cardiac Surgeon or an EP. My philosophy now: anytime someone comes near my chest with a scalpel, they're going to be a surgeon!!! Adam ============================= Adam Tel: 305.891.2326 Fax: 305.891.6222 E-Fax: 866.792.6103 Cel: 305.970.8565 Email: adamadamrogers (DOT) net __________ NOD32 2791 (20080114) Information __________ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 That is wonderful news. Sounds like you are in good hands. Let us know when the surgery is and keep us posted! ~guin Retrieving leads I met with the doctor who will perform my lead retrieval next week. He has done 700 such procedures, and has a special team he works with, which includes a surgeon and an anesthesiologist, plus various technicians and nurses. I feel I will be in good hands. He didn't minimize the risks, spoke candidly and clearly, and wanted to know my concerns. Since the device did me so much good...taking my ejection fraction from 22 to 43...we decided to retrieve the leads. Much thanks to everyone who responded to my original post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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