Private Battery Replacement

I had a pacemaker fitted November 2013. For my pilot licence the CAA require at least 6 months battery available. I have maybe 2 years left. The NHS, as far as I can determine, take it right down to the wire. They won't make an appointment until there is 6 months or less left. My enquiries thus far suggest they won't do it earlierfor me.

I wonder how expensive it would be to have the power unit replaced privately in UK? Does anyone know of any other options? Other Countries? (USA won't be one of them!)

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Sorry I have no idea. Locally private pacemaker insertion is around £5000 so as they have to open you up. I would guess £1000 - £2000. The BHF nurses may be able to advise you better..

[Hidden in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you, as another reply said, they may replace more than the battery. I have to enquire further, but any information is useful.

[Amylondon]

Hi

I had the impression that when the pacemaker batteries eventually wear out, the whole pacemaker — and not just the battery — has to be replaced but please correct me if I’m wrong.

(NICE) National Institute for Health & Care Excellence states in 2011 the average cost was as follows ......

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) Based on average selling prices aggregated across all manufacturers of ICDs sold in the UK to the NHS in the financial year of 2011, the cost of a complete ICD system was estimated at £9692.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy with pacing (CRT-P), Based on average selling prices aggregated from devices sold in the UK to the NHS across all manufacturers in the financial year of 2011, the cost of a complete CRT-P system is estimated to be £3411.

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy with a defibrillator device (CRT-D) Based on average selling prices aggregated from devices sold in the UK to the NHS across all manufacturers in the financial year of 2011, the cost of a complete CRT-D system is estimated to be £12,293.

Hope any of the above helps .

Good Luck & take care .

[Amylondon in reply to Amylondon]

Here’s the link from NICE ...... Page 9

nice.org.uk/guidance/ta314/...

[Hidden in reply to Amylondon]

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Amylondon]

Thank you

[Chokadoobi]

I had what I thought was a new battery fitted but afterwards was informed that they actually fit a whole new pacemaker not just the battery. I did not pay for it though so have no idea of the cost.

[outofwhack]

I'd say save your money and go fly gliders for the intervening period when you don't have the requisite 6 months battery life. I don't think you need a CAA medical for gliding in this country. It will make you a better pilot! Sent by a CPL(A), CPL(H) and long time glider pilot.