Managing your cardiac device
- Featuring
- March 17 2025
- 2 min read
Heart devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, are a reliable and effective treatment for many heart rhythm issues. While complications are uncommon, they can occur and range from a lead malfunction to an infection. [1] Learn what signs and symptoms to look out for and discover life-saving resources to help you become an active part in the shared decision-making process with your doctor.
At-a-glance:
- Why managing your device is important
- Life after lead extraction
- Signs of infection
- Shared decision making
- What is lead extraction?
- Search for a doctor near you
It’s important your cardiac device is maintained and managed properly as there is a connection between your device and your ongoing health. Here are some quick tips for living with your heart device.
- Heart device batteries typically require replacement every 6-12 years
- If your device has leads, they may also require replacement
- Contact your doctor if you are experiencing infection symptoms such as fever or fatigue and have received multiple rounds of antibiotics
- Redness of the skin at the device site and pain/tenderness are also red flags
- Learn more about your cardiac device
Life after lead extraction
How lead extraction has led one man to a life of zero restrictions
Carl received his first pacemaker at age 24 and since experienced fractured leads that, at the time, were unable to be removed. After seeing Dr. Manyam, Carl has had all fractured leads replaced. He is now completely MRI safe and has avoided the long-term risks of lead abandonment.
Jerry’s wife, Helane, knew something wasn’t right.
When Jerry, a pacemaker patient, experienced a sudden negative turn in his health, he and his wife Helane sought out answers. After working with multiple doctors and trying different treatments, it was finally determined Jerry had an infection of his heart device.
Signs of infection
Did you know more than 60,000 patients globally will develop an infection of their heart device this year? [2] And of those, most will be given multiple rounds of antibiotics instead of full system extraction, which is the only way to completely remove the infection. [3]
Learn what signs and symptoms to look out for so you can help physicians identify the treatment you need, faster.
Symptoms of infection may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Fatigue
Visual signs of infection may include:
- Redness of the skin
- Pain/tenderness
- Swelling
- Warmth or a “hot” feeling
- Blood, pus, or other drainage
- Skin ulcers
- Erosion of the device through the skin
Shared decision-making
Each heart device patient and journey is different. Becoming a self-advocate and learning how to talk with your doctor will help you be an active part in the shared decision-making process. Some recommended topics to discuss with your doctor include:
- What happens during the procedure
- The risks associated with leaving infected or unused cardiac leads in place
- Why your doctor may recommend lead removal or replacement
What is lead extraction?
If it is decided the best decision for your health is the removal of your heart device or leads, a trained doctor will perform a lead extraction procedure.
During the procedure, your doctor will advance a flexible tube (sheath) over the lead, freeing the lead by removing scar tissue. Some of these sheaths can deliver laser energy to the scar or use precise surgical blades designed to remove the lead. Your doctor will continue this process until all targeted leads are extracted.
Search for an experienced doctor near you
Visit Upbeat.org/find-a-specialist and select the ‘Lead Management’ clinical expertise to find a specialist that meets your geographic criteria.
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Lead management devices and extraction
The Philips portfolio of lead management devices and extraction sheaths offers precise and accurate lead extraction for CIED infections. Learn more.
Footnotes
- Kusumoto, et al. (2017). 2017 HRS expert consensus statement on cardiovascular implantable electronic device lead management and extraction. Heart rhythm, 14(12),e503-e551.
- iData, MRG, Euromed, EHRA White Book, Product Performance Reports (Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and St. Jude Medical), and internal estimates / analysis on file.
- Pokorney, et al. Low Rates of Guideline Directed Care Associated with Higher Mortality Among Patients with Cardiac Implanted Electronic Device Infection
Disclaimer
Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions. Results in other cases may vary.