Chest discomfort from defibrillator.

[folahivie]

A person had a defibrillator implanted and want it removed, is that possible and are there any side effects?

[Sirenet]

Hi. I am going through the process right now of having an ICD implanted. During my info gathering stage I asked EP that question. His first response was similar to dsue's. I posed the theoretical possibility of meds ( as well as pacemaker function of Icd, particularly a bi-ventricular type) raising EF to above HF range, and future ablations and once again, meds, correcting arrhythmias.  I was told that the unit itself can be removed, no problem. However, the leads which are attached to the heart would be much more involved. They tend to bed themselves into heart tissue and removing them would require a surgeon familiar with open heart procedures. This is because there is a very likely possibility of a tearing of the heart muscle and necessitating a very skilled surgeon to repair and close the heart.
  There is also the possibility for the need for this with time, as well. Occasionally there are problems with the leads (infections, etc..) which would require there replacement.
  Hope this was somewhat helpful. - Steve  

[dsue]

Well I guess it is possible to have it removed but why would they want to? It is more than likely keeping them alive.....

D

[lforbes]

I just posted the same question...did you ever get any answers?  Thanks.