I/V ICD update on query 15 days ago

[Chinkoflight]

I posted a query on experience of having a Boston Instruments I/V cardioverter defibrillator fitted as I was getting bumps and beats since the implant three weeks ago. I gave feedback following contact with the hospital who advised me no issues and I needed to let it settle down.Today I took a call from the hospital advising me to go there as soon as possible as they have seen a problem with my device!!

I was right all along, and so we're you BobD! Apparently the atrial lead has failed. Lead failure LF is the standard description however the problem is manifested of which there are many possibilities.

Initially I was asked whether I could stay in for a procedure (operation) that afternoon! but checking with the team indicated there wouldn't be any free spaces as there was already a backlog of people already prepped both for today and tomorrow.

Further discussions were had and a decision to dial down the offending pacing lead controlling bradycardia to HR35 effectively switched off. It was previously set at HR60. I would then be booked in for a future as yet undetermined date for a corrective operation/procedure.

An interesting and immediate change was to end my postural hypotension which I had put down to Bisoprolol! And of course my heart was functioning independently and I immediately feel much better!

I'm still trying to understand all of what's happened today and what I think should happen now. What I have read indicates lead changing is not a simple matter with choices being made on adding a new lead and leaving the existing one in situ, or removing and replacing the lead. Either procedure is not without additional risks. I have also read LF is poorly understood and researched because surgeons are marking their own homework and don't report failures or return leads for analysis. There are issues for morbidity etc.

I would be grateful for any observations or experience people have had with LF.

Having to start the search again for a new #chinkoflight.

[baba]

Sorry you have to go through this.

Doctors really should believe their patients.

I have a single lead pacemaker which seems to work when needed, at least I've not passed out since it was inserted. I am not on continuous monitoring, just a yearly download which I send to the hospital.

Best wishes for your procedure.

[Megams]

~Oh Chinkoflight - I am so sorry to read this and just don't really know what to say.

I want to send my special thoughts and kindest wishes your way in the sincere hope that "the powers that be" will be able to sort your rather serious issue as soon as possible ~