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
Suzanne had a lifelong battle with infection until she had her CIED removed
When Suzanne received a new pacemaker, an infected hair follicle caused an infection on the leads and for 10 years Suzanne suffered relapse after relapse on antibiotic therapy. Suzanne’s life changed for the better when she had her device extracted and finally got rid of the infection!
Alec's pacemaker was a wonderful thing until he got an infection
Alec didn’t feel anything at his pacemaker site except two small red dots which went away, but he did feel very unwell. Antibiotics only worked for a short while and then he would feel worse again. When CIED infection was identified his device was removed and now he’s playing golf!
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.
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?
When the decision is made that removal of your heart device is best for your health, a trained doctor will perform a lead extraction procedure.
Full system removal means that both the device and leads will be taken out. The procedure starts by making a small incision to access and remove the device. Your doctor will advance a device over your leads (if you have more than one) which will separate each lead from the surrounding tissue. This will continue until all leads are removed. A variety of methods and tools can be used depending on your specific situation and the process will be continued until all targeted leads are safely extracted. Ask for more information from your device doctor, they will be happy to further explain.
A lead extraction is generally a very safe procedure. Although results and risks vary from patient to patient, several large studies show clinical success rates around 98% [3] and the risk of major complications is less than 1.25% [3].
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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.
- Wazni, O et. al. Lead Extraction in the Contemporary Setting: The LExICon Study: A Multicenter Observational Retrospective Study of Consecutive Laser Lead Extractions, J Am Coll Cardiol, 55:579-586.
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.