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pacemakerlead displacement

My 81 yr old father fell 10 days ago resulting in a fractured skull, and a subdural hematoma for which he was hospitalized. While hospitalized an arrhytmia was diagnosed and a pacemaker implanted3 days ago.  The electrophysiologist,cardiologist and pacemaker technician said that the pacemaker was working well, until today when they informed us that they the lower lead was displaced.  So now they are considering repositioning the lead. The cardiologist said that this can wait a few weeks but recommended doing it now while my father is still hospitalized .  My father  had cognitive changes resulting from his head trauma and the first pacemaker implantation procedure and the related sedation knocked him for a loop.  He is ambulating now, regaining memory and stamina but is still quite weak. Should he wait or just have the repositioning done now? He will be going for rehab after hospitalization.  


This discussion is related to Pacemaker Lead dislodgement.
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Avatar universal
All of my three procedures where done by different doctors 1st and 2nd time by Senior EP and 3rd by a learner being overseen by a senior. I have had pockets dug 3 times now. 1st was a pocket that was under the skin the 2nd was a deeper pocket under the muscle and the 3rd back into the same pocket under the muscle. I'd agree that its very uncomfortable, nut bearable. I didn’t scream, but it did hurt and I did moan out laud a little.

I am hoping to go back tomorrow to have the situation reviewed again and see if I have a lead off again or it has simply been set up incorrectly. I am having real problems with lack of energy, light headedness, dizzy, palpitations etc. Maybe a pacemaker is just not for me....
Helpful - 0
88793 tn?1290227177
Are both of you the pacemaker fitted by Senior EP or a learner EP?  Please don't tell me it was done by an intern.......  Mine, first one was fitted by a doctor (learner) from oversea but he did a good job.  A Senior EP was beside him all the time.  I was under local which was very very painful.  When he dug the pocket, I screamed!  I told them I never want a pacemaker anymore......  When the times come for a second one, I refused to have it so they made me an offer ..............
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Avatar universal
I had a dual lead pacemaker fitted on the 16th December it was tested on the 17t only to find the V lead s not ached. I returned to the Lab in the afternoon of the 17th for where they replaced the V lead and repositioned the A lead. I had no sedation, all done on local anaesthetic and felt I managed quite well although the procedure is a little uncomfortable.
I was released from hospital on the 18th then on the 19th started having problems again. I returned to hospital on the 21st to have it checked only to find the A lead had become loos this time. I stayed in hospital again and had a new system fitted.  Came home on the 22nd feeling ok, but i started having problems again on the 23rd and am waiting to see doctor. All I can say is that I have no fear of having the procedure done again if required having gone through it three times in such a short space of time has given me some confidence that it’s a relatively safe procedure. I am however, only 51 years old.
I don’t know what your farther is feeling, but I personally find it quite disconcerting that a lead is not fitted correctly and that I may not be getting the full benefit of the pacemaker.  Whilst working on one lead may be adequate I can’t help wondering if I would feel a bigger improvement if I was getting full use of the equipment? There is also the risk of infection to consider having the procedure done again before the first is fully healed.
Your doctor will I am sure give the best advice and your farther will respond to that advice based on how he is feeling personally.
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1137980 tn?1281285446
Boy is that a tough one.....sort of darned if you do and darned if you don't.  You need to take into consideration that he is 81 so do you wait until he recoupes and builds up strength or do you do it now while everything is sort of in place.   I would definately ask your Dad what he thinks....it is his body and as humans we all sort of have a 3rd sense about our bodies however if he is still a little confused from the hematoma it may fall on you.  Tough decision....i'd ask myself how much i trust his heart doc and then write down a list of questions for the doc about the could? what if? how long? etc.  Good luck to you......
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