PACEMAKER DEVELOPMENT

Posted by DR PAUL CRAVEN on May 03, 1999 at 13:26:15
ABOUT A YEAR AGO i READ ABOUT ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A PACEMAKER WITH A RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE,USING SOME KIND OF JELLY WHICH MOVED WHEN THE PATIENT MOVED AND COULD RECHARGE THE INTERNAL BATTERY.
Has this development got any further?
also how long are the duel pacing sysems lasting now before the bateery needs replacing?
many thanks
paul craven

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on May 03, 1999 at 16:14:34
Dear Paul
I am not aware of the rechargeable system you are referring to.
A dual chamber pacemaker should last 5-10 years without needing a battery change. The exact amount of time will depend on how dependent your heart is on the pacemaker and how much it is used every day - the less use, the longer it will last.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.