Question Title: My dad's has lots of trouble

I am very concerned about my Dad, he is 60 yrs old and at the age of 40
he had a massive heart attack, in the past two years he has had to have
three defibrillators put in, the fist kept moving around and lodged itself under
his arm pit, the second starting coming out of his chest and was bleeding
very badly, and now the this one is causing him alot of pain, he lost the main vein to heart in the attack , so they won't operate, he also just called and said that the location where they inserted the last one has been very sore and infected, yesterday he had two small pieces of metal come out,
he has not had a day of rest without pain since they put it in........!!!!!!
I am very concerned and wondered if there is a hospital that specializes in
this type of trouble...he lives in SC, and has seen several diff doctors, but
I don't understand why he cannot have a day without pain....pls advise,
we are at the point where we are willing to do just about anything....
thanks...Renee

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Dear Renee,

It certainly sounds like your father has had a difficult time. You did not say why he had the defibrillator placed but I assume that it was for a type of fast heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia. This heart rhythm can be fatal and large clinical trials have shown that defribillators save lives. They monitor the heart rhythm and give it a small shock of electricity when it is in this rhythm. Unfortunately these devices are not perfect and as with any medical procedure there can be complications. All of the problems your father has experienced with his defibrillator are potential complications of this device.

I don't know if the pain that your father is experiencing is coming from the device or is due to a different problem. Redness or discharge from the site could indicate an infection and would be an indication to change the device. The type of cardiologist that specializes in these devices are electrophysiologists. If your father would like to be evaluated here he should call the number below and make an appointment to see one of the electrophysiologists such as Dr. Wilkoff or Dr. Kidwell. Hope this helps.

Information provided here is of a general nature and for educational purposes only. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.

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