Pacemaker replacements?

[quanglewangle]

Hi

Received knowledge is that pacemaker batteries last 7-10 years.

With perpetual talk of waiting times I am wondering whether replacements are happening or do I have to start worrying as I approach my 7th anniversary?

Can anyone tell of their experiences???

[Bryonny]

hello, I have been reassured at my annual pacemaker check, when appropriate, they will start monitoring every three months and book me in for replacement as necessary. Like you I am coming up for about 7 years after my first pacemaker was fitted. I understand I’m pretty much dependent on my pacemaker which I guess means it may need replacing sooner rather than later? I’m not sure if that helps but I’ve felt content with the I for and reassurance the hospital has given me. Wishing you all the best

[Wodney1966 in reply to Bryonny]

hi ive just had my s icd replaced they last 5 to 7 years down to its last 30 percent

[chesson]

you should have an annual pacemaker checkup in the cardio hospital that fitted it. They will tell you when the replacement is required. If you are not being followed, call your GP and get back on the hospital lists.

[Hatten28]

i don’t think you need to worry, I have had three replacements with no problem, providing you attend for your check ups at the pacemaker clinic you will be fine.

My last replacement was about a year ago and I was told that it was urgent, because of a back log due to covid I was a bit late receiving my new one and glad to say, have not had many episodes since.

Hope I am not speaking to soon, as attending hospital pm today for an echocardiogram first since 2004,

Good luck from hatten age 82.

[Lee-J]

Hi. What pacemaker do you have? Is it a CRTP? Have you had an AV node ablation? A lot depends on the Manufacturer, Medtronic or Boston Scientific. Medtronic tend to have better leads and BS tend to have better battery life. If you are pacemaker dependent (100%) you can’t be left on a waiting list, you would need an urgent replacement or a temporary lead inserted until a new pacemaker is inserted. If you have the most common PM that prevents your HR dropping below 30bpm then it’s not life threatening and is a simpler procedure when it comes to battery change.

Physiology will keep a close eye on battery life and there are warning lights appearing when the battery life starts to deteriorate so there is plenty of warning and time to arrange insertion of a new PM. The leads are simply detached, the PM removed and a new one inserted, then the leads re-connected.

Hope this helps and Good luck. L

[Hidden in reply to Lee-J]

Thanks for the reply. No AV. In person reviews stopped during Covid restricted times and they switched to 6 monthly remote check-ups of my BIOTRONIC epyra 6 dr-t . I will watch out for the three-monthly review. I got a copy of the August 2021 report that said my battery level was 50%, and my RV threshold (47%) and Atrial Burden (96%) were 'above limit'. There have been two more remote check-ups since then so I must assume that all is still well - but it would be nice to know.....