failed ablation

[KAD]

I am a 27yo female who had 2 rf ablations for IST.  One week after the second ablation my heart rate dropped into the 30's and 40's in a juctional escape rhythm.  Ended up needing an single chamber atrial pacer placed b/c of chronotropic incompotence.  Initially I was using the pacer 80%, then on the second pacer check it dropped to using it 50%.  AAIR pacer.  They adjusted it at last check up b/c the highest my HR was getting up to was 70(even while I was exercising).  My questions are:

1)Do you think my sinus node function might come back?(b/c the trend seems to be that I am using my pacer less at each check up)

2)If my sinus node does come back, will they just leave the pacer in and turn it off?

3)Is it a risky procedure to take the entire pacemaker system out?

4)If the pacemaker can come out, should I have it taken out?(I just had it placed in November of this year)

Thanks for your time.

[Cleveland Clinic]

KAD,

Thanks for the post. Sorry to hear of all of your tribulations.

1)Do you think my sinus node function might come back?(b/c the trend seems to be that I am using my pacer less at each check up)

Yes, its a possibility. Only time will tell, but the restoration of some of your nodal rhythm suggest some recovery.

2)If my sinus node does come back, will they just leave the pacer in and turn it off?

They will probably leave it in, at least for awhile.  They will probably change the pacing settings.  

3)Is it a risky procedure to take the entire pacemaker system out?

Lead extraction does carry some risk. In skilled hands, this risk is less.  They could choose to explant the pacemaker if necessary and keep the wires in.

4)If the pacemaker can come out, should I have it taken out?(I just had it placed in November of this year)

Try not to jump the gun too quickly. Lets see if your own rhythm comes back first.  

good luck and happy holidays.