Leadless pacemakers

[Jeekee9]

I live in North Carolina and I have sick sinus syndrome and afib as well as Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. I just learned a few weeks ago about the newer leadless pacemakers. I understand they are becoming the standard as compared to the wired versions with leads.

I had a dual chamber pacemaker implanted last Aug. 2022, and just found out the ventricular lead has gone bad. My electrophysiologist has suggested I have no revision at this time since the technology has changed so much and the fact that I have not had any ventricular issues since the implant. I am uncomfortable not having any revision at this time, but honestly, I would be nervous if I had to get a revision or to get a new leadless pacemaker. Just wondering if anyone on here has had to deal with this sort of thing and how it went for them? Thanks!

[opal11uk]

No, not heard anything about it. I am concerned as I am due in the next year to have my batteries changed and the thought of it terrifies me lol so maybe if I can hang on another year or so I can go for the leadless variety.

[Jeekee9 in reply to opal11uk]

Opal, I know how you feel. I have heard it is a fairly simple & quick procedure and you should be in and out in no time. I wish you the very best of luck. 🙂

Update - for my above comment, I am talking about having your batteries changed in your existing wired pacemaker. I am not referring to the procedure for the leadless pacemaker implant. Sorry for any confusion.

😔

[opal11uk in reply to Jeekee9]

Thank you x

[CDreamer in reply to opal11uk]

Not sure I would choose to go through the trauma of having a Leadless PM implant unless it was unavoidable as the procedure resembles an ablation requiring a catheter from groin to right ventricle. Replacing the PM unit does not require the removal of the leads.

[opal11uk in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for the info x

[CDreamer]

I had to have a revision of the LV as it detached. I have Resynchronisation Therapy Pacemaker 6 months following the implant, not a pleasant experience and just about on the limits of when a revision could be done, I was told. Thankfully the revision worked as it seems the Leadless PM’s are only for Bradycardia so if you have a dual chamber it could be a possibility for you but I would research carefully.

If you aren’t currently having any problems my very personal opinion would be not to rush into anything as technology is advancing very quickly and it seems there are quite serious possible complications with the Leadless implants so I think I would want to see more research results into long term outcomes.

my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

[Jeekee9]

CDreamer & Opal, thank you for your comments. Please see my further explanation in my comment above. I did not mean to confuse the two procedures.