2 or 3 lead pacemaker with AV node ablation

[SMwils]

Hello

I would like to hear of experiences with the pacemaker you have for those who have had AV node ablation

I have had 3 lead pacemaker for 4 years, however only 2 are being used due to my sensitivity it sets off little tingles which are constant in my heart when 3rd lead turned on.

4 weeks ago I had an AV node ablation

I have been breathless and fatigued on and off, some days ok some days not good

I have been told by my hospital- Barts London that only my left ventricle is being paced hence the problems I have

But due to consultants and junior doctors striking etc I am still waiting for a call which I was told I would receive

I have been back and the pacemaker clinic team explained all of this after tests etc, they were excellent

Does anyone have a 2 lead only pacemaker after having AV node ablation

Do you have any issues like me

I have been told that a new area of my right ventricle would probably be used if they move the lead and turn it on. Bart’s have been doing this with some success

Any of your stories gratefully heard

Thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

Two lead PMs are the norm like mine. Three lead or re-synchronsing PMs are still relatively uncommon.

[SMwils in reply to BobD]

Hello Bob

Did you have any issues/ problems after av node ablation and pacemaker

Did you feel ok or take a while to feel ok

[BobD Volunteer in reply to SMwils]

Not had AV node ablation.

[CDreamer]

I have the 3 lead RST and very happy with it - the difference between the 2 lead and the 3 lead is the 3rd lead is attached to the LV Left Ventricle pacing and not the RV. Attaching the LV lead is usually considered more problematic so you are unusual in having problems with the RV lead.

When only one ventricle is paced and you are reliant upon Pacemaker there is a possibility of the ventricles slipping out of synch - hence the 3 leads RST pacemaker. I was told when the ventricles go out of sync then your heart will not pump blood as efficiently and can cause symptoms you describe.

My EP - Bart’s trained, recommended having the 3 lead prior to Pace and Ablate.

Personally I would stick with what Bart’s suggest. Hope you get an improvement.

[SMwils in reply to CDreamer]

hello

Thank you very informative

I think they said right ventricle is the problem but I could be mistaken

It makes sense that having all the leads pacing will give your heart the best

And to hear about being out of sync does make a lot of sense

Just got to wait, consultants strikes junior doctors strikes etc all taking it’s time toll on waiting time

[sotolol in reply to SMwils]

The 3 lead bi ventricular is the one they tried but it just wouldn’t work the pacing gave me diaphragm spasms. But two have worked I have HF so anything is better than nothing. Good luck.

[Nannysue1]

I cant really answer your question but I have had the pace and av node ablate and I only have one lead. It's been marvellous for me and I feel so much better.

[Suesouth]

I have the 2 lead pacemaker, still awaiting ablation for AF and atrial flutter, just had blood test for possible HF

[Tapanac]

my husband had the 3 lead three weeks ago, but they had to turn off the lead that goes round under the heart as he had enormous spasms in his diaphragm which shook his whole body. They don’t seem to be too bothered that one lead is not working, but when I hear friends snd people on here say how much better they feel post pacemaker he still seems so wan and weak and can’t be bothered.

The pacing clinic apparently turned it up to 80 beats per minute instead of the norm 60 which he was on originally, perhaps because one lead turned off (?), but now he wakes up in the night saying that he feels as if his heart is racing

I do try to put his mind at rest by saying that as his heart had dropped to 29-30 pre pacemaker it might seem that way

St Peter’s chertsey have been diabolical in their communication despite asking and asking but although we know he had a pacemaker, which one or anything else we don’t know, so I guess this post isn’t much help to you

I do hope you feel better soon

Xx

[Deejay62]

I had CRT-P, it as 3 leads, before I had mine done. The reason for 3 leads was because of heart failure.

[sotolol]

Hi

I had problems getting the one you are talking about the spasms were

awful they told me they have done all they could so we agreed to leave it so they just gave me 2 leads. Av ablation. I have never felt this well in years.

Went to Bart’s yesterday for checkup all good and they’ve given me an Latitude monitor. After connecting it I put on bedside table so overnight it sends my heart readings to their remote hub.

Pacemaker progress is sent to me via a report in January so no more going to London.

If my heart does one it flashes lights up and I have phone numbers to ring. Other than that I’ll be toast not really.

I trust Barts they have been a God send.

Hope you get your problems sorted it so takes over your life doesn’t it.

Jo

[SMwils]

Hello

I have a heart monitor by my bed

They know what is going on

I wish I could say the same

Unfortunately I am getting breathing problems and very fatigued

Going to Barts in a couple of weeks will have to wait to see what they say

Having some tests and also the pace lowered

I have been with Barts for heart problems for 10 years and I do trust them

I do think it may be another procedure to move the 3rd lead to another place on the right hand side of heart

I am very pleased you are feeling good

I hope to soon

Thank you

[sotolol]

please let me know how you get on.

Also what they decide to do.

You’ll get sorted and will feel better soon thinking of you.

[SMwils in reply to sotolol]

Thank you and I will

[Hylda2]

Had two lead pacemaker last September and then an AV node ablation. Apparently I am now in AF 100% of the time so they have turned one lead off and reprogrammed pacemaker. Still a little breathless so going to have another ultrasound

[Heartbeat2022]

Hello,

I had a bi-ventricular pacemaker with two leads (one in each ventricle) inserted in August 2022. The AV node ablation was performed at the beginning of September 2022. I haven't been experiencing shortness of breath and only occasionally feel minor palpitations from the afib.

I hope you are feeling better soon!