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  • 1.  Pacemaker LASER lead extraction

    Posted 03-03-2020 12:06
    I am going to have my pacemaker lead extracted and replaced with 2 wires.  Due to scar tissue, it has to be cut out using a LASER.

    Has anyone had experience with this?

    Marv Norman

    Chapter 350

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    [Marvin Normann]
    [Noblesville, Indiana
    [Phone]
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  • 2.  RE: Pacemaker LASER lead extraction

    Posted 03-05-2020 16:36
    HI MARVIN,
         Have you asked your doctors/surgeons for information? In this day and age, I urge people to politely expect these men and women to be there for you so that the "surprise" factor is minimized. 
         Using lasers for surgery I HAVE heard of and I believe it is certainly much much better than what they used for me in 1969- I think, at 11 years old, that they used a SEARS SAWS ALL (trade mark)!
          Now just be sure they set their Star Trek Phasers on 'stun.'

         So please ask if they can lead you through this procedure from the beginning to when you awake, and what sensations, physically and emotionally, you may have.
         Hope this helps.
    In Peace
    Ken Levine

    ------------------------------
    ken levine
    volunteer, retired
    802-236-8186
    kenpaullevine@gmail.com
    Middlebury, Vermont
    05753
    United States of America
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Pacemaker LASER lead extraction

    Posted 03-05-2020 17:59
    Hi Ken,

    Thank you for your response.  I am pretty sure that I know what they are going to do and basically how it will be done.  I am just interested in hearing from people who have had it done and what their experience was like.

    They put a sheath with a LASER around the existing lead and work it along the length of the lead by using the LASER to cut the tissue that is adhering to the lead.  When the lead is loosened, they pull it out.  Then they will put 2 leads in.

    As Mended Hearts people know, it is sometimes better to talk to someone that has experienced the procedure.

    Thanks again,

    Marv


    Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note8, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone


    ------Original Message------

    HI MARVIN,
         Have you asked your doctors/surgeons for information? In this day and age, I urge people to politely expect these men and women to be there for you so that the "surprise" factor is minimized. 
         Using lasers for surgery I HAVE heard of and I believe it is certainly much much better than what they used for me in 1969- I think, at 11 years old, that they used a SEARS SAWS ALL (trade mark)!
          Now just be sure they set their Star Trek Phasers on 'stun.'

         So please ask if they can lead you through this procedure from the beginning to when you awake, and what sensations, physically and emotionally, you may have.
         Hope this helps.
    In Peace
    Ken Levine

    ------------------------------
    ken levine
    volunteer, retired
    802-236-8186
    kenpaullevine@gmail.com
    Middlebury, Vermont
    05753
    United States of America
    ------------------------------


  • 4.  RE: Pacemaker LASER lead extraction

    Posted 11-08-2023 10:08

    Hi Marv,

    So, how did your lead revision procedure go? (Assuming you had it)

    I am potentially soon looking at the same. I've not seen/read too much MH feedback on this topic.

    I have one LV lead fractured 11.5yrs old and one RV lead 21.5 yrs old. 

    Hope all is well.

    Regards,

    Gerry



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    Gerald Gutowski
    Glenview IL
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  • 5.  RE: Pacemaker LASER lead extraction

    Posted 11-08-2023 20:27
    Hi Gerald,

    My procedure went well.  I had no ill effects and am very active.

    I still go to phase 3 cardio rehab to stay feeling good.  I am 81 years old.

    My  Associate Regional Director had a similar procedure with the same doctor replacing a broken lead and came thru it well.

    As always, try to get a doctor that does a lot of this type of procedure.

    Best Wishes

    Marv Norman




    Sent via the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone




    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Pacemaker LASER lead extraction

    Posted 11-09-2023 14:08

    Hi Marv,

    Glad to hear your lead revision went well! 

    Thanks for writing me back as well.

    I'm waiting on my EP to figure out next steps.

    I just had an echo that came back with 63% EF so it may be a wait and see situation as I don't know how long my LV lead has not been working. 

    It has to be less than 6 months as my 6mo ago device interrogation indicated it was functioning then.

    Take Care

    Gerry 



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    Gerald Gutowski
    Glenview IL
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    Original Message


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