Unsuccessful CRT zplacement

[Cocokiwi]

Hi all,I was recently in hospital for upgrade from dual chamber pacemaker to CRT-P. Unfortunately this had to be abandoned due to difficulties accessing the vein due to blockage . Cardiologists discussing whether to implant on other side of chest and use a tunnelling procedure under general anaesthetic and I'm really scared but still hope they can do it. Has anyone had a problem like this having a crt?

Thanks

Ann

[Lezzers]

Hi Ann

Not quite the same but my husband is due to have his ICD upgraded to a CRT-d. My friends husband had his ICD removed from the left side is his chest & new one with leads (crt?) implanted in the right side. That was a few years ago, there were no problems fitting the device and he's not had any device problems since.

[Cocokiwi in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you for your speedy reply. That's sounds promising and I'm glad that your friend's husband is doing well. I hope all goes well with your husband's upgrade too and that it makes him feel a lot better. Kind regardsAnn

[Lezzers in reply to Cocokiwi]

Thanks Ann, the hospital have said he probably won't feel any different but we're hopeful. 🤞 If you're on Facebook there's a brilliant support group called ICD support-uk I'm sure they'll be a few people there that have had similar. The link is below, it's says ICD support but I'm sure it covers pacemakers as well. I can ask admin if you'd like me to?

facebook.com/groups/7879967...

[Cocokiwi in reply to Lezzers]

Thank you so much. I'll pop on to Facebook and check it out. Best regards Ann

[Wendymo]

I had exactly the same thing happen in 2018. I needed an updated pacemaker going from a dual chamber to a CRT-P. I have really scarred and blocked veins so they tunnelled across from the right while I was under general anaesthetic, I didn’t have any issues post surgery and six years later it’s still going strong so I know it can be really scary, I was terrified, but honestly it shouldn’t impact your life once it’s done.

[Nomis21 in reply to Wendymo]

Hi wendymo,

Hope you don't mind me asking but what was the reason that you needed the the CRT-P upgrade? And did you feel any benefit of the upgrade?

Due to have the same done.

[Wendymo in reply to Nomis21]

I have Complete Heart Block which they gave me a pacemaker and medication to combat then I developed Heart Failure in 2004 which they prescribed more medication. In 2018 after having an Echocardiogram to check everything out before changing my pacemaker battery they discovered my heart failure had got my worse and I required a crt to pace the third chamber. It definitely improved my quality of life and I found I could walk further and the breathlessness decreased. Hope this is ok but let me know if it’s not

[Nomis21 in reply to Wendymo]

Hiya,

Only reason I'm asking is that I had pace n ablate obviously resulting in total heart block and a 2 lead pm in 2022 since then I've developed heart failure and in permanent afib.

Have a consultation with cardiologist on Tuesday to discuss an upgrade to a CRT, which I was told by the EP should help then Left Venticle from getting worse and should hopefully improve my energy levels and breathlessness.

Just wondering if it's more problematic carrying out the procedure of a PM upgrade when in total heart block?

Suppose il find out on Tuesday.

Thanks

[Cocokiwi in reply to Wendymo]

Oh that is so good to hear! I've developed a pocket haematoma since the abandoned attempt to implant the CRT. I'm just waiting for news about what's happening next. I had the echo so the consultant could see the existing wires well. I'm so glad you are doing well .

[PinkKizzie]

Hi Cocokiwi, my pacemaker implant didn't go to plan. An echo revealed I had LBBB, LV impairment and an EF of 25%. A three lead pacemaker implant was unsuccessful when the third lead pierced my heart and emergency OHS was performed to remove the lead and repair the hole. The implant was obviously halted. It was a bit traumatic and I've decided not to try again for a pacemaker, however, I'm on great meds and feel really well. I get breathless and tired now and again but I try to keep as active as I can. Wishing you well. Take care.

[Cocokiwi in reply to PinkKizzie]

Oh dear I'm so sorry to hear this but pleased you are doing well on the meds. My ejection fraction keeps going down so I may have no choice to have another go if that's what my cardiologist advised. I'll find out soon enough

[PinkKizzie]

Thank you for your reply. Can I ask, what percentage EF you have? I don't know if I can improve my EF without a PM, and I'm not due to have another echo until middle of next year. I definitely feel loads better since taking the meds.

[Cocokiwi in reply to PinkKizzie]

My EF was 59 which was great as I have a left bundle branch block with QRS of 166. It fell suddenly to 43 after getting COVID and my left ventricle is moderately dilated. The QRS keeps widening and they didn't tell me what the recent EF was but I overheard 38. Despite maximum doses of medication, I still get so tired.

[PinkKizzie in reply to Cocokiwi]

Thank you for info, I hope all goes well moving forward. An update would be welcomed. Take care.

[Cocokiwi]

If course, I will provide updates in due course and hope you and everyone here on this site keeps well.