MRI compatible pacemakers.

[seasider18]

MRI scanning now seems to be one of the main diagnostic tools. So much so that at 80 and with various health problems I have needed two recently. The second one was rushed through last week as that consultant knew that I am having a pacemaker fitted next week.

Prior to my pacemaker assessment session today I had asked the cardiologists secretary if they were now fitting MRI compatible ones as a matter of course. The answer was no. The nurse at the assessment and the young doctor I saw were each surprised at my question and said that I will need to ask the cardiologist when I see him on the day but that compatible ones are seldom fitted.

What have recent Forum NHS patients had fitted?

[wpw62]

I had a pacemaker fitted 8 weeks ago. Was going to have a new MRI compatible one but as I still had old leads fitted from 25 years ago could not have have it and got a non MRI compatible one. Good luck with yours

[Pita in reply to wpw62]

I have a MRI compatible pacemaker fitted in 2012 as part of a study in Essex, England. I had to have a MRI in June, they turn the pacemaker into MRI mode and pace you at 86bpm which i did not like, as it sent me into AF. Once MRI has been done they then switch it back to normal settings and i was back in nsr.

[seasider18 in reply to wpw62]

People I know who have them seemed to have no problems with the procedure but as always the doctor handing me the consent form listed more dire warning than the surgeon who did my aortic valve replacement..

How did you cope with the restrictions on arm movement for the next 4/6 weeks?

[wpw62 in reply to seasider18]

I used my left arm and my husband helped me get dressed, cut up my food and generally did everything I couldn't. Make sure you doove your arm as and when you can even just a little or you might end up with a frozen shoulder like a friend if mine did

[seasider18 in reply to wpw62]

I thought that they normally put it on the left side. The nurse warned me of frozen shoulder but if not allowed to raise arm above shoulder level you surely can cut up your food and do a fair bit.

[wpw62 in reply to seasider18]

My pacemaker went in the right side as I have leads on the left from a previous one. It might just be me but I could not use my arm for anything at all for almost all the six weeks

[seasider18 in reply to wpw62]

I thought that they could have connected the new one to the old wires as I have read of that. If mine were fitted to my right side I would be absolutely lost as I am completely right handed.

Opening and closing some windows is going to be a problem as my wife can't reach the ones above the sink.

I won't be able to use my camera or my binoculars if I go to the races. Bus travel must be difficult as you often need to hold on for support.

[12gettingthere]

I had one fitted nearly 2 years ago now but I do have a condition that requires regular MRI scans so it makes sense.

[seasider18]

Do you have any idea of the cost difference as that is always the NHS problem?

[farmerwalt]

I'm having a CRT/ICD pacemaker fitted next week. Don't think it will be compatible since they use a magnet to inhibit the ICD part, if required. But now that the subject has been raised I will ask.

Walter.

[seasider18 in reply to farmerwalt]

Good luck with your procedure. We can compare notes afterwards.

When I asked how they make adjustments to pacemaker settings the doctor said with magnets.

[farmerwalt in reply to seasider18]

Hi seasider18, Thanks for your good wishes. The nurse from cardiology said that after the X-Ray, the day after, that they would check the operation with a magnet. Will compare afterwards.

Walter.

[seasider18 in reply to farmerwalt]

We could have a one handed boxing match

[farmerwalt in reply to seasider18]

As long as we keep the punches to the right side!!

[seasider18 in reply to farmerwalt]

If you are actually a Farmer life will be difficult.

With the number of years that pacemakers have been around I'm surprised that they do not have a better way of attaching the wires.

Which day do you get yours? I'm on Friday.

[Skertchly in reply to seasider18]

Or you could be a paper hanger

[seasider18 in reply to farmerwalt]

I have another problem that needed an MRI scan that was hurried through because of the pacemaker. I also had nerve conduction tests on my legs yesterday (Sunday) and that doctor wants me to have a back MRI scan. I told him of the pacemaker and he said that only gives us three days. How long will his letter take to get to the neurologist? Anticipating the delay I have E-Mailed his thoughts to the neurology secretary but am not holding my breath.

[farmerwalt in reply to seasider18]

Just received a letter this morning to say my appointment has been changed to next Tuesday, 21st. Looks like you will have yours first. Hope you get your MRI in time and that things go well on Friday

[seasider18 in reply to farmerwalt]

That is bad news but happens a lot.

I don't want to ask for mine to be held over until I can get another MRI but I'm hoping to force their hand for a compatible device.

When I had my aortic valve replaced three years ago operations were being cancelled on a daily basis in the main due to staff shortages. One poor man had his pre med and was on the trolley to be wheeled down to theatre when they told him that they could not get an agency theatre sister. Same the next day and they sent him home for a week

[jennydog]

Some time ago I posted details of a medical article in the Daily Mail. This detailed a new type of pacemaker which did not involve wires or leads. It looked like an AAA battery and was injected via the groin into the ventricle. Has anyone any news of this?

If I'm to have a pacemaker eventually then this would be a better option for me as I have a severly damaged left shoulder due to radiotherapy on my left arm.

[seasider18 in reply to jennydog]

Google found the article for me it is called the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System

"The pacemaker will probably remain permanently although it's replaced when its battery runs out.

We think it has no drawbacks or dangers. This is a big step forward in patient treatment and a milestone for cardiac rhythm management.

It's expected to be available for the NHS and privately towards mid-2015.

The device and its implant costs are £10,000. The trial is still open, and patients need to be referred by their GP"

[purple]

I have a MRI compatable pacemaker, had it for more than 3 years. Have had MRI scans, including on my heart, with no problem - a technician has to make adjustments before and after scan. Sounds like some doctors are a bit behind the times?

[seasider18 in reply to purple]

More like cost savings. At my pre assessment on Friday the nurse and Junior doctor gave the impression that they are not fitted and I have to ask the consultant doing it

[purple]

Good luck with the consultant. Yes, I do wonder if cost comes into most NHS things much more these days, often a false economy in my opinion.

Earlier you mentioned nerve conduction study on your legs. You don't have the rare condition "orthostatic tremor" orthostatictremor.org/ by any chance do you. I have it myself.

[seasider18 in reply to purple]

Fortunately no tremors. Neurologist did masses of blood tests and a head MRI. He thinks along lines of hereditary sensory motor neuropathy. I think it is from my lower back as numbness starts when I start walking.

[seasider18 in reply to purple]

I'm to have a whole spine MRI scan. Among things hinted at is Sensory Radiculopathy but I cannot find a community here that covers back problems like that.