New ICD/Pacer after only 2 years.....

[heather Super Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close heather]

Wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. I had my ICD/Pacer implanted 2 yrs. ago (november) at the Mayo in Minnesota. It was the newest Medtronic GEM something.......I went for a checkup and a download today and got the shocking news that my battery life is down and the device will most likely need to be replaced in 3-4 months. I couldn't believe this. When implanted they told me 5-7 years if it never fired. It hasn't ever fired or shocked me at all. I am completely paced at about 97% of the time. The medtronic rep that downloaded my info. said I don't show any activity, such as VT or AF, but my thresholds are set very high. I think like at 2.5 and 3.5. I have no idea what all this means, but he said it takes a little bit more to make my heart beat w/ the pacer and this may be why my battery has drained so fast. The thing I find odd is that it was downloaded in May of last year and they said the battery life looked great and now 9 mos. later it's almost depleted........He said my charge time right now is 11 secs. and he likes to see it under 15 secs. So, I go back end of May and have it checked again and most likely make an appt. for a new iimplant. I'm in the shock/disappointment stage right now..........Any words of wisdom or insight to this situation would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks,
Heather 32-HCM
New Mexico

[shirleymahoney Brave Heart Find all posts View Profile Close shirleymahoney]

Heather

From what i understand with the fact that you are paced all the time like you are that is is common for your AICD battery to have to be replaced before the 7 to 10 year time frame i was paced at 100% for over a year and mine will have to be replace in a couple of years, hope this helps some and have a Guident

Shirley

[angall Member of 1000 Post Club! Find all posts View Profile Close angall]

Hi Heather
Shirley is right. When you are paced 100% it does take more energy from the battery.

I too went to the Mayo Clinic/St. Mary's hospital. They do watch the life in the battery very close. There could be a chance that it will stay the same for a little while, but I know they have what is best for you in mind.
I am 100% paced and my ICD had to be replaced 2 1/2 years after it was inplanted.

I was a little confused too when I had to have mine replaced, but then I want that extra protection.

Take care

[Reenie Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Reenie]

You've been given good advice. It's like having a flashlight. If you have it ready to use, but don't actually turn it on, it will last a long time. If you use it daily it won't take nearly as long for the batteries to give out. Best of luck with the replacement.

Reenie

[vmcmahon Atria Find all posts View Profile Close vmcmahon]

Hi

Hi Heather - I had the same thing happen me After my first implant - it is not suppose to go that quickly - even when pacing full time. My first was set to pace full time also and it lasted about 2 years.. I never did really find out what happened - the morning of the replacement there was a medtronic's rep there and he indicated that it happens from time to time. Basically it is an electronic device which runs off a battery and electronics can fail....

The good news is that normally the replacement is a pretty easy procedure...

Vinnie

ps - I am just about the pass the 2 year mark on my current one and last checkup the battery levels were still strong....

[Lisa Salberg HCMA CEO and Founder Find all posts View Profile Close Lisa Salberg]

My first ICD was a Guident Ventak AV - It failed me at about 3 years. My Medtronic GEM II lasted about 5 years (replaced for low battery)and now I am on the Marquis since October 2005.

This is part of living with a device. I look forward to the day when they last for 10+ years!

Lisa

[Twisti Shy Heart Find all posts View Profile Close Twisti]

Well that stinks, cause im paced at %100 and was looking forward to not having to have it done for a few years