Dilemma (pacemaker problem)

[Nannyjenny]

Help! There must be someone out there who has experienced two RV lead perforations after pacemaker insertion. I then had to have ohs and, instead of replacing lead and stitching it in they left it out?? 9 months later they have decided I need it put in. I am petrified that if they put it back in and "leave it to dangle" it could perforate again. Does anyone no any other options or where I can find out please?

[IrisCarter]

Hi Nanny,

Sorry that you’ve been through this. If you haven’t already you need to discuss all of this and the options with your team. Some hospitals also have a clinical specialist nurse who can also talk you through your concerns. I would contact the pacing clinic and/or your surgeon’s secretary and request a call back or a meeting to ask all of your questions and to discuss things.

Hope that you get sorted out soon.

[Nannyjenny in reply to IrisCarter]

Thank you! They decided this was way to go. Only other option is OHS again but if this lead then perforates then there won't be any other option. Facing another six weeks without being able to do much with left arm (left handed). Am going to be afraid to move!

[IrisCarter in reply to Nannyjenny]

It certainly sounds very scary! I have an ICD with the associated leads and have been very lucky not to have any complications post surgery, although with repeated surgeries I know risk goes up. Perforating the myocardium is terrifying. I’m surprised it happened because everything is done under the guidance of echo, so the surgeon should be able to see what they are doing!

[Diver2]

Sorry this has happened to you. It is very rare. Speak to you Doctor or your doctor’s assistant and get all you concerns resolved to your satisfaction. Is your pacemaker actually pacing your heart? If so make sure you are satisfied with the Doctors reasons for what they are doing and how they are planning on preventing the perforations during this surgery. You’re in our prayers